Health Encyclopedia

Neuropathy secondary to drugs

Definition

Neuropathy secondary to drugs is a loss of sensation (or movement) in a part of the body due to a certain medicine.

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 interferes with nerve signaling.

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, including:

Heart or blood pressure medications
- Amiodarone
- Hydralazine
- Indapamide (Lozol)
- 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 drugs (Disulfiram)
Drugs to fight HIV
- Zidovudine (Retrovir, formerly AZT)
- Didanosine (Videx)
- Stavudine (Zerit)
- Zalcitabine (Hivid)
- Ritonavir (Norvir)
- Amprenavir (Agenerase)
Arsenic

Symptoms

Numbness, loss of sensation
Tingling, abnormal sensations
Sensation changes usually begin in the feet or hands and progress inward

Signs and tests

A neurological examination may show abnormalities. Blood tests to check levels of the medication may show toxic levels. Normal blood levels of certain drugs may be toxic in elderly or other highly susceptible persons.

An EMG test of electrical activity of nerves and muscles will be done.

Treatment

Treatment is based on the symptoms and their severity. The medication causing the neuropathy may be stopped, reduced in dose, or changed to another medication. (Any changes in medication should only occur as recommended by the health care provider).

Medications may be used to control painful neuropathy. However, the use of medications is usually discouraged unless absolutely necessary.

Over-the-counter analgesics may be helpful for mild pain. Antidepressant medications (such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline), or anticonvulsants (such as gabapentin), may be helpful for some types of nerve pain. Opiate pain relievers, such as morphine or fentanyl, may be needed to control severe pain.

Loss of sensation may require additional safety measures or other interventions to compensate for the loss of sensation.

Expectations (prognosis)

In some cases, a partial or full return to normal function is possible. The disorder is not usually associated with life-threatening complications, but it can be uncomfortable or disabling.

Complications

Permanent loss of sensation (or rarely, movement) of an area
Inability to function at work or home because of permanent loss of sensation
Pain associated with tingling in area of nerve injury

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have a loss of sensation or movement of any area of the body while taking any medication.

Prevention

The health care provider will closely supervise treatment with any medication that may cause neuropathy. The goal is to maintain the proper blood level of medication needed to control disease and its symptoms while preventing toxic levels of the medication.

References

Kompoliti K, Horn S. Drug-Induced and iatrogenic neurological disorders. In: Goetz, CG, ed. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 55.

Shy M. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 446.

Review Date:3/26/2009
Reviewed By:David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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