Hoarse voice, or dysphonia, can occur as a side effect of various medications. Here’s a list of drug classes and specific drugs, both generic and brand names where applicable in Australia, known to potentially cause hoarseness:
- Inhaled Corticosteroids (for Asthma and COPD)
- Beclomethasone (e.g., Qvar, Beclazone)
- Budesonide (e.g., Pulmicort, Symbicort)
- Fluticasone (e.g., Flixotide, Breo Ellipta)
- Ciclesonide (e.g., Alvesco)
- ACE Inhibitors (for Hypertension and Heart Failure)
- Enalapril (e.g., Renitec, Enapril)
- Lisinopril (e.g., Zestril, Prinivil)
- Ramipril (e.g., Tritace, Ramace)
- Captopril (e.g., Capoten, Aceten)
- Antithyroid Drugs (for Hyperthyroidism)
- Carbimazole (e.g., Neo-Mercazole)
- Propylthiouracil (PTU)
- Anticholinergic Medications
- These can cause dryness of the mouth and throat, potentially leading to hoarseness. Specific drugs include:
- Atropine
- Ipratropium (e.g., Atrovent, Apo-Ipravent)
- Tiotropium (e.g., Spiriva)
- These can cause dryness of the mouth and throat, potentially leading to hoarseness. Specific drugs include:
- Chemotherapy Agents
- Some chemotherapy drugs can cause mucositis or inflammation of the mucous membranes, leading to hoarseness. Examples include:
- Methotrexate
- Fluorouracil (5-FU)
- Some chemotherapy drugs can cause mucositis or inflammation of the mucous membranes, leading to hoarseness. Examples include:
- Bisphosphonates (for Osteoporosis)
- Alendronate (e.g., Fosamax, Alendronate Sandoz)
- Risedronate (e.g., Actonel, Acris)
- Immunomodulators (like in Rheumatoid Arthritis)
- Leflunomide (e.g., Arava, Lunava)
- Methotrexate (e.g., Methoblastin)
Remember, while these drugs are associated with hoarseness, the incidence is not the same across all individuals and can be influenced by factors such as dosage, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. It’s important to evaluate each case individually and consider other potential causes of hoarseness as well.