drug-induced taste disturbance

Last reviewed 01/2018

Medications associated with taste disturbance include:

  • Antibiotics and antifungals
    • ampicillin
    • azithromycin
    • ciprofloxacin
    • clarithromycin
    • griseofulvin
    • metronidazole
    • ofloxacin
    • tetracycline

  • Anticonvulsants
    • carbamazepine
    • phenytoin

  • Antidepressants
    • amitriptyline
    • clomipramine
    • desipramine
    • doxepin
    • imipramine
    • nortriptyline

  • Antihistamines and decongestants
    • chlorpheniramine
    • loratadine
    • pseudoephedrine

  • Antihypertensives and cardiac medications
    • acetazolamide
    • amiloride
    • betaxolol
    • captopril
    • diltiazem
    • enalapril
    • hydrochlorothiazide
    • nifedipine
    • propranolol
    • spironolactone
    • aspirin
    • clofibrate
    • phenidione

  • Anti-inflammatory agents
    • colchicine
    • dexamethasone
    • gold
    • hydrocortisone
    • penicillamine

  • Antimanic drug
    • lithium

  • Antineoplastics
    • cisplatin
    • doxorubicin
    • methotrexate
    • vincristine

  • Antiparkinsonian agents
    • Levodopa (Larodopa; with carbidopa)

  • Antipsychotics
    • clozapine
    • trifluoperazine

  • Antithyroid agents
    • propylthiouracil
    • carbimazole

  • Lipid-lowering agents
    • fluvastatin
    • pravastatin

  • Muscle relaxants
    • baclofen
    • dantrolene

  • aspirin
  • metformin
  • griseofulvin

Reference:

  • Bromley SM. Smell and Taste Disorders: A Primary Care Approach.Am Fam Physician. 2000 Jan 15;61(2):427-436.
  • Prescriber 1999; 10 (12): 94.
  • Pulse 2004; 63 (47): 80.