Neuropathy secondary to drugs

Definition:

A condition where there is a loss of sensation (and/or movement) in a part of the body, associated with use of a medication that can damage nerves.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Neuropathy secondary to drugs affects approximately 5 out of 100,000 people. It can affect people of any age or sex.

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

• antialcohol drug
  • disulfiram