Which aminoglycoside is classically associated with preferential cochlear (auditory) toxicity manifesting as high-frequency hearing loss and tinnitus?
- A Gentamicin
- B Tobramycin
- C Amikacin ✓
- D Streptomycin
Correct answer: C. Amikacin
Explanation
Among the commonly used aminoglycosides, amikacin and neomycin are predominantly cochleotoxic, causing irreversible loss of outer hair cells in the organ of Corti beginning at the basal turn, which produces high-frequency hearing loss. Gentamicin, tobramycin and streptomycin are predominantly vestibulotoxic, producing vertigo, ataxia and nystagmus. All aminoglycosides can cause both forms of ototoxicity, but the relative predilection differs and guides drug selection when hearing must be preserved.
Reference: Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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