Medicine Online
Any medical inquiries? Search MOL for answers:
Home > Medical Articles > Topics beginning with D > Drug-Induced Polyneuropathies - Neuropathy Secondary to Drugs > Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Medical References
Diseases & Conditions
Women's Health
Mental Health
Men's Health
Healthy Choice News
Site Map Links
Medical Tips
Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news

Drug-Induced Polyneuropathies - Neuropathy Secondary to Drugs


Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Neuropathy secondary to drugs is a condition in which there is a loss of sensation in a part of the body, associated with the use of a medication that can damage nerves.

What is going on in the body?

Neuropathy is caused by toxic effects of certain medications on the peripheral nerves, or nerves that are not in the brain or spinal cord. The normal function of the nerves is blocked due to the damage to part of the nerve. The person experiences abnormal sensations, including numbness or chronic pain. Examples of medication that may cause neuropathy include:

  • heart or blood pressure medications, such as amiodarone or hydralazine
  • chemotherapy medication used to fight cancer, such as vincristine or cisplatin
  • antibiotics used to fight infection, such as metronidazole, isoniazide, and nitrofuantoin
  • anticonvulsants used to prevent seizures, such as phenytoin
  • medications used to prevent alcohol use, such as disulfiram
  • What are the causes and risks of the disease?

    Neuropathy is not contagious.


    HomeSitemap Contact UsAdvertisingPress RoomGive Us Your FeedbackRead Our Terms & Conditions and Our DisclaimerPrivacy Statement