Other commonly used otological medications
The other branch of otology related medication to be familiar with is the pharmacological treatment of vertigo.
Briefly, the main pharmacological targeted ENT causes of vertigo are:
Ménière's – intermittent over-accumulation of endolymphatic fluid (possibly)
Vestibular Neuritis – often infection (viral) causing inflammation of vestibular nerve
Labyrinthitis – an inflammation of the membranous labyrinth
For more in-depth information on vertigo, check out our physiology of balance page or alternatively our sections on the ENT conditions causing vertigo.
Antihistamines - symptomatic relief
Anticholinergic - block muscarinic transmission in CNS
Phenothiazines are anticholinergic and have anti-dopaminergic actions
Pregnancy & lactation
Antihistamines: promethazine, prochlorperazine, metoclopramide commonly used for hyperemesis in pregnancy. Antihistamines are vestibular suppressants.
Cyclizine and promethazine extensively used during pregnancy. No problem with prochlorperazine.
Avoid betahistine in pregnancy!

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