Neuropathy secondary to drugs

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Neuropathy secondary to drugs

Definition:

Neuropathy secondary to drugs is a condition where there is a loss of sensation (or movement) in a part of the body. It is associated with use of a medication that can damage nerves.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The damage is caused by toxic effects of certain medications on the peripheral nerves (the nerves not in the brain or spinal cord). There is usually evidence of damage to the axon part of the nerve cell, which blocks conduction of the nerve impulse through the cell.

Most commonly, there is involvement of multiple nerves (polyneuropathy) which usually appears as sensation changes that begin in outward areas of the body (distal) and progress toward the center of the body (proximal). Occasionally, there may also be changes in movement.

Many medications can be associated with the development of neuropathy. Some of the drugs associated with neuropathy include:

Heart or blood pressure medications
- Amiodarone
- Hydralazine
- Perhexiline
Drugs used to fight cancer
- Vincristine
- Cisplatin
Drugs used to fight infections
- Metronidazole (Flagyl)
- Nitrofurantoin
- Thalidomide (used to fight leprosy)
- INH (isoniazid) -- used against tuberculosis
Drugs used to treat skin conditions
- Dapsone
Anticonvulsants
- Phenytoin
Anti-alcohol drug
- Disulfiram

Review Date: 7/19/2001
Reviewed By: Galit Kleiner-Fisman, M.D., FRCP(C), Department of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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