N-acetylcysteine use for amelioration of aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity in dialysis patients.

Use of aminoglycoside antibiotics is associated with significant ototoxicity, especially on patients with decreased renal function. The risk of aminoglycoside ototoxicity may approach 60%. Oxidative stress has been suggested as a general mechanism of aminoglycoside ototoxicity and is prevalent in dialysis population. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an effective antioxidant and has been safely used in dialysis patients. New experimental and clinical data, explored in this review, provide a good case to recommend NAC administration to all dialysis patients, receiving aminoglycosides.