2024 Volume 43 Issue 2 Pages 137-140
Objective：This study aimed to facilitate the diagnosis of drug-induced taste disturbances by compiling a comprehensive list of medications that are associated with adverse effects. Drugs that warranted special consideration based on the incidence rates of taste-related adverse reactions were investigated.
Methods：We investigated the incidence of taste abnormalities associated with drugs listed as having potential adverse effects using data from the Manuals for Management of Individual Serious Adverse Drug Reactions：Drug-Induced Taste Disturbance. This analysis was based on a review of package inserts and interview forms. Medications with a reported incidence rate of ≧10 ％ for taste disturbances were identified and classified according to therapeutic categories following the Japan Standard Commodity Classification system.
Results：Twenty-four drugs were identified with an incidence rate of ≧10％ for taste abnormalities. Of these, 20 were antineoplastic agents, whereas the remaining were categorized as sedatives, detoxifying agents, radiopharmaceuticals, and antiviral drugs. Notably, of the 20 antineoplastic agents tested, 12 were molecularly targeted.
Discussion and Conclusion：Although drug-induced taste disturbances are associated with sedatives, psychotropic medications, and cardiovascular agents, our findings indicate that antineoplastic agents, particularly molecularly targeted drugs, are associated with significantly higher incidences of taste-related side effects. This finding suggests the need for increased clinical awareness when prescribing these therapies.
