Oral adverse effects: drug‐induced tongue disorders

Abstract

Objectives Due to a worldwide increase in drug consumption, oral healthcare professionals are frequently confronted with patients using one or more drugs. A large number of drugs can be accompanied with adverse drug reactions in the orofacial region, amongst others of the tongue. This paper aims to give an overview of drugs that are known to be accompanied with tongue disorders. Materials and methods The national drug information database for Dutch pharmacists, composed of scientific drug information, guidelines and summaries of product characteristics, was analysed for drug‐induced tongue disorders. “MedDRA classification” and “Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical codes” were used to categorize the disorders. Results The database comprises of 1645 drugs of which 121 (7.4%) are documented to be accompanied with tongue disorders as an adverse effect. Drug‐induced tongue disorders are predominantly observed in the following drug categories: “nervous systems,” “anti‐infectives for systemic use” and “alimentary tract and metabolism”. The most common drug‐induced tongue disorders are glossitis, tongue oedema, tongue discoloration and burning tongue. Conclusion Healthcare professionals are frequently confronted with drugs that can cause tongue disorders. The overview of drugs reported in this article supports clinicians in their awareness, diagnosis and treatment of drug‐induced tongue disorders.

Breakthroughs in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

“…As a result of continuous innovations in the medical and pharmacological fields, researchers have also had to find solutions to possible adverse reactions due to interactions with new drugs [15,16]. In particular, the development of new monoclonal antibodies for the management and treatment of oncological pathologies has had important repercussions on the management of pathologies associated with the action of these drugs on the maxillary bone [17].…”

Surviving surgery; succumbing to pharmacotherapy: A case report underscoring the importance of PRN order clarification for patient safety

“…Glossitis refers to inflammation of the tongue with loss of filiform papillae. There are several potential etiologies for glossitis, including anemia, vitamin B deficiencies, infections, as well as certain medications, such as oral contraceptive pills, lithium carbonate, and ACE inhibitors 14 . However, glossitis is reported as a rare ADR following the systemic use of diclofenac 14 .…”

“…There are several potential etiologies for glossitis, including anemia, vitamin B deficiencies, infections, as well as certain medications, such as oral contraceptive pills, lithium carbonate, and ACE inhibitors 14 . However, glossitis is reported as a rare ADR following the systemic use of diclofenac 14 . The pathophysiology of diclofenac‐induced glossitis is still undefined.…”

“…14 However, glossitis is reported as a rare ADR following the systemic use of diclofenac. 14 The pathophysiology of diclofenac-induced glossitis is still undefined.…”

In Reference to Association of Severe Tongue Edema With Prone Positioning in Patients Intubated for COVID‐19

“…3,4 In addition, Aziz et al examined the relationship between 1645 drugs and tongue edema, and they stated that 22 of them might be associated with tongue edema formation in addition to angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors. 5 It is noteworthy that beta-lactam antibiotics and carbapenems, which are frequently used in intensive care units, are associated with tongue edema.A final point we would like to emphasize is that early diagnosis and rapid intervention are vital to prevent airway problems caused by tongue edema, regardless of the cause.…”