From the Guidelines
To manage dysgeusia caused by certain medications, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider about adjusting your dosage or switching to an alternative medication, as some medications like antibiotics, blood pressure medications, chemotherapy drugs, and antidepressants can induce taste changes 1. When managing dysgeusia, several strategies can be employed to alleviate symptoms.
- Using plastic utensils instead of metal ones can help reduce metallic tastes
- Practicing good oral hygiene can help eliminate any underlying infections that may be contributing to taste changes
- Staying hydrated can help thin out saliva and reduce the concentration of the medication in the saliva
- Experimenting with different food temperatures and textures can help stimulate the taste buds
- Adding stronger seasonings to foods can help enhance flavors
- Sucking on sugar-free candies before meals can help stimulate saliva production and reduce dry mouth
- Using flavor enhancers like lemon juice or herbs can help add flavor to foods Some patients may also find relief by taking zinc supplements, though this should be discussed with your doctor first, as evidenced by the NCCN guidelines which recommend managing anxiety and dyspepsia/reflux-related symptoms with lorazepam and a histamine (H2) blocker or a proton pump inhibitor 1. Dysgeusia occurs because medications can interact with taste receptors, alter saliva composition, or be secreted into saliva directly, affecting how flavors are perceived, and most taste changes resolve once the medication is discontinued or your body adjusts to it. In terms of medication management, the NCCN guidelines recommend several antiemetic regimen options for patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC), which may include 5-HT3 antagonists, dexamethasone, NK1 RAs, and olanzapine 1. However, the primary focus should be on addressing the underlying cause of dysgeusia, which in this case is the medication-induced taste change, and working with your healthcare provider to find an alternative solution.
From the FDA Drug Label
ADVERSE REACTIONS Most frequent adverse reactions for both adult and pediatric populations in clinical trials: abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dysgeusia ( 6.1)
The FDA drug label does not provide information on how to manage dysgeusia caused by certain medications, it only lists dysgeusia as a possible adverse reaction.
From the Research
Management of Dysgeusia Caused by Medications
To manage dysgeusia caused by certain medications, the following points can be considered:
- Dysgeusia is an unpleasant alteration in taste that can affect nutritional and psychological status and decrease the quality of life of patients 2.
- It can be caused by various factors, including medications, and understanding its etiology is crucial for effective management 3.
- Certain medications, such as keratolytic agents, chemotherapeutic and cancer medications, antihistamines, antibiotics, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, have been correlated with dysgeusia 2.
- Oral healthcare professionals should be aware of the possible etiologies of dysgeusia, diagnostic tools, and treatment options to provide adequate care for patients experiencing taste disorders 3, 4.
- Zinc supplementation has been studied as a potential treatment for taste dysfunction, but its efficacy for dysgeusia secondary to drug therapy is unclear, with some studies suggesting it may not be effective in preventing taste alterations 5, 6.
Medications Associated with Dysgeusia
Some medications that have been associated with dysgeusia include:
- Keratolytic agents
- Chemotherapeutic and cancer medications
- Antihistamines
- Antibiotics
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
- Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents
- Antiinfectives for systemic use
- Nervous system medications 2, 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 3. Accurate diagnosis of the cause of taste dysfunction has a significant impact on the management of taste impairment.