High Blood Pressure

Ringing in ears

08/29/2008 04:37PM

Question:

My doctor put me on coreg 10mg after an office visit where my bp was measured at 140/85. After 2weeks I had a buzzing in my ears and he changed me to 10mg Lisinopril at bedtime as I test below normal in the morning but bp climbs to average 130/85 in evening. The ear buzzing continues to occur some days worse than others. I am white male 55yrs, parents in late 80s, mother on bp meds. no drink or smoke ever and no caffiene. I blame the meds for ear buzzing, what do you think. Regards

Answer:

Although buzzing in the ears is not usually a side effect of blood pressure medications, unusual reactions can occur in some patients.

In your case, it may be a good idea to stop the lisinopril and see if the buzzing goes away. In that case, you can consider taking another type of blood pressure medication. You should check with your doctor before making any changes in your therapy.

If the buzzing in the ear persists, you should consider getting a carotid ultrasound test to check the state of your arteries in the neck. If the symptoms continue, you may also need an evaluation by a head and neck specialist.

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Response by:

Max C. Reif, MD
Director, Hypertension Section
Division of Nephrology & Hypertension
Department of Internal Medicine
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati