4 Medications That May Cause Loss of Smell

The medical term for the loss of smell is anosmia. Anosmia is most often caused by an infection such as COVID-19, an injury, a disease that causes brain or nerve damage, or as the result of chemotherapy. Sense of smell also declines over time, as we age. However, some common medications may also cause a temporary loss of smell.

So, what medications cause a loss of smell? Read on to learn more.

4 Common Medications That May Cause Loss of Smell

Common medications used to treat the following conditions are most likely to cause a temporary loss of smell:

• Antibiotics
• Antipsychotic Medications
• Decongestants
• High Blood Pressure Medication

Antibiotics

Antibiotics prescribed to treat a bacterial infection may cause a partial sense of smell, known as hyposmia, or a complete, but temporary loss of smell.

Ampicillin

Ampicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic that may be used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including pneumonia, bladder infections, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some people may experience a temporary loss of smell while taking ampicillin.

Azithromycin (Generic Zithromax)

Azithromycin is a macrolide-type antibiotic. It treats bacterial infections including strep throat, ear infections, intestinal infections, and STIs. It may cause a temporary loss of smell.

Metronidazole (Generic Flagyl)

Metronidazole is prescribed to treat many types of bacterial infections. It may cause a loss of smell, along with leaving a metallic taste in your mouth.

Antipsychotic Medications

Antipsychotic medications used to treat conditions such as schizophrenia, and bipolar mania may alter your sense of smell, or lead to a temporary loss of smell.

Chlorpromazine

Chlorpromazine belongs to a class of drugs known as phenothiazines. Loss of smell is a possible side effect of chlorpromazine.

Decongestants

Interestingly enough, medications used to alleviate nasal and sinus congestion may lead to a loss of smell if taken for a prolonged period of time.

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

Pseudoephedrine may cause a temporary loss of both smell and taste.

High Blood Pressure Medications

Drugs known as ACE inhibitors that are prescribed to manage high blood pressure (hypertension) may alter your sense of smell.

Captopril

Captopril is prescribed to lower high blood pressure. A possible side effect may be a diminished sense of smell.

Lisinopril (Generic Prinivil)

Lisinopril is a commonly prescribed ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure. It may cause a temporary loss of smell.

Why do medications cause loss of smell?

Medications are thought to cause a loss of smell by affecting sensory receptors in your nose. However, because taste and smell are so closely linked, it is possible that certain medications can alter your saliva and taste receptors, which are closely linked to your olfactory sensors.

Is the loss of smell temporary?

If you lose your sense of smell as a side effect of medication, it should return when you stop taking the medication, or the illness requiring you to take the medication is resolved. Loss of smell due to other causes such as nerve or brain damage may be permanent.

How to Get Sense of Smell Back

In nearly all cases of medication-related loss of smell, your sense of smell will return after you stop taking the medication. If your loss of smell is not caused by medication, you will need to see a health care provider for further guidance.

Always Talk to Your Health Care Provider

If you experience a loss of smell, talk to your health care provider. A loss of smell is a common symptom of serious viral infections, including COVID-19. It also may be a sign of another underlying disease or health condition. Loss of smell could also be a temporary side effect of your medication. If that is the case your health care provider may be able to prescribe an alternate drug.