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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Neuropathy Secondary to Drugs
      Category : Health Centers > Brain and Nervous System

Neuropathy Secondary to Drugs

Alternate Names : Drug-Induced Polyneuropathies, Drug-Induced Neuropathy

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Attribution


Neuropathy secondary to drugs is a condition in which there is a loss of sensation in a part of the body, associated with the use of a medication that can damage nerves.

What is going on in the body?

Neuropathy is caused by toxic effects of certain medications on the peripheral nerves, or nerves that are not in the brain or spinal cord. The normal function of the nerves is blocked due to the damage to part of the nerve. The person experiences abnormal sensations, including numbness or chronic pain. Examples of medication that may cause neuropathy include:

  • heart or blood pressure medications, such as amiodarone or hydralazine
  • chemotherapy medication used to fight cancer, such as vincristine or cisplatin
  • antibiotics used to fight infection, such as metronidazole, isoniazide, and nitrofuantoin
  • anticonvulsants used to prevent seizures, such as phenytoin
  • medications used to prevent alcohol use, such as disulfiram
  • What are the causes and risks of the disease?

    Neuropathy is not contagious.


       

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    Neuropathy Secondary to Drugs: Symptoms & Signs

    Author: Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
    Reviewer: Melissa Sanders, PharmD
    Date Reviewed: 07/12/01









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    Page Last Updated: 6th April, 2009