DENVER—Azithromycin, a drug that is used in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also causes hearing loss in a small percentage of patients to whom it is prescribed. So reported scientists from Denver Health and from the COPD Clinical Research Network writing in the August 25 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Their randomized controlled trial found that Azithromycin given daily for 1 year in addition to usual treatment reduces exacerbations and improves quality of life in selected patients with COPD.
The study was designed to examine the association of azithromycin use with frequency of exacerbations in patients with COPD who had an increased risk for exacerbations but no evidence of hearing impairment, resting tachycardia, or risk for corrected QT interval prolongation.
Of 1577 patients screened, 1142 (72%) were randomly assigned to receive, in addition to their usual care, 250 mg of azithromycin daily (n = 570) or a daily placebo (n = 572) for 1 year.
Overall, those who received the azithromycin had improved lung function over those given the placebo. However, they were also more likely to suffer hearing decrements. Of the patients given azithromycin, 25% suffered decreased hearing over the trial period, as compared to 20% in the placebo group who did not receive the azithromycin.
COPD is a common and health deteriorating lung disease and is among the leading causes of death in most western countries. It is mostly diagnosed in middle-aged or older people. The disease is not contagious.