N-Acetylcysteine in the prevention of ototoxicity

Abstract

Prevention of ototoxicity after the administration of aminoglycoside antibiotics has been notably difficult, in particular in patients with chronic kidney disease. Feldman et al. report that oral administration of 600 mg N-acetylcysteine twice daily significantly ameliorates gentamicin-induced ototoxicity in hemodialysis patients. That approach may help to prevent aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss in these high-risk patients in daily practice. © 2007 International Society of Nephrology.