Some organic acids attenuate the effects of furosemide on the endocochlear potential.

A series of organic acid transport inhibitors significantly reduced the endocochlear potential (EP) decline produced by furosemide in the chinchilla. Probenecid, sodium salicylate and penicillin G were much more effective than novobiocin, meclofenamate or diatrizoate. Inhibitors of organic base transport, choline and N-methyl nicotinamide, had no effect on the furosemide-induced drop of the EP. These findings suggest that at least part of furosemide ototoxicity may be mediated by organic acid transport.