From the Guidelines
A metallic taste in the mouth, also known as dysgeusia, can be caused by various factors, but the provided evidence does not directly address this condition, and therefore, a general answer based on common medical knowledge must be given. The causes of dysgeusia are multifactorial and can include medications, medical conditions, and everyday exposures.
- Common medications that cause this side effect include antibiotics, blood pressure medications, chemotherapy drugs, and certain antidepressants 1.
- Medical conditions that may lead to a metallic taste include poor oral hygiene, gum disease, sinus infections, pregnancy, kidney or liver problems, diabetes, and certain neurological conditions.
- Other causes include dental work, vitamin supplements, exposure to certain chemicals or metals, smoking, and food allergies. It is essential to note that the provided evidence focuses on dysphagia in patients with Parkinson's disease and does not directly relate to dysgeusia.
- However, it is crucial to consider that neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, can affect the sense of taste and smell, potentially leading to dysgeusia 1. If you experience a persistent metallic taste, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
From the FDA Drug Label
Mouth: A sharp, unpleasant metallic taste is not unusual. ...and metallic taste.
The cause of a metallic taste in the mouth, also known as dysgeusia, is metronidazole and lithium.
- Metronidazole can cause a sharp, unpleasant metallic taste.
- Lithium can also cause a metallic taste. 2 3
From the Research
Causes of Dysgeusia
- Dysgeusia, also known as a metallic taste in the mouth, can be caused by various factors, including chemotherapy 4, previous viral upper respiratory infections, head trauma, iatrogenic causation, neurologic or psychiatric disorders, toxic chemical exposure, systemic conditions, xerostomia, and severe nutritional deficiencies 5.
- Systemic conditions such as diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, respiratory infections, and nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to dysgeusia 6.
- Zinc deficiency has been associated with taste disorders, and zinc supplementation may be useful in treating dysgeusia caused by zinc deficiency 7.
- Other factors that can alter taste include aging, exposure to chemicals, drugs, trauma, high alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, poor oral health, and malnutrition 8.
Chemotherapy-Induced Dysgeusia
- Chemotherapy patients often report a metallic taste in their mouth, also known as "metal mouth," which can adversely affect their appetite and lead to weight loss 4.
- The etiology of "metal mouth" is poorly understood, but possible causes include chemotherapy-induced sensitization of TRPV1 and retronasal olfaction of lipid oxidation products 4.
Diagnostic Approaches
- Various subjective and objective diagnostic approaches are available to aid clinicians in diagnosing dysgeusia, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks 6.
- Accurate diagnosis of the cause of taste dysfunction has a significant impact on the management of taste impairment 6.
Treatment Options
- There is no proven intervention to either enhance taste acuity or abolish dysgeusia, but treatment targeted toward causative conditions may be effective 5.
- Low doses of tricyclic antidepressants may be effective in some patients with idiopathic oral burning, and spontaneous remissions without intervention have been reported 5.
- Zinc supplementation may be useful in treating dysgeusia caused by zinc deficiency 7.