•  
  •  

Medicines and Mouth Problems

Antibiotics may cause many mouth problems. If you have recently started an antibiotic and now have a mouth problem, suspect that the antibiotic is the cause. Do not stop taking the antibiotic. Call your doctor to see whether your antibiotic can be adjusted. Most problems will go away when you stop taking the antibiotic.

Many other medicines can also cause mouth problems, including:

  • Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
  • Antiseizure medicines, such as phenytoin (Dilantin).
  • Antifungals, such as ketoconazole.
  • Calcium channel blockers, such as diltiazem, verapamil, and nifedipine.
  • Chemotherapy medicines, such as doxorubicin and fluorouracil.
  • Corticosteroids, such as prednisone and dexamethasone.
  • Diuretics, such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide.
  • Gold compounds.
  • Immunosuppressive medicines, such as cyclosporine.
  • Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine and amitriptyline.
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer David Messenger, MD
Last Revised September 15, 2010

Last Revised: September 15, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & David Messenger, MD

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.