Meds, Herbs, & Voice!

(-) May cause excessive coughing (can lead to possible VF tissue damage &/or dysphonia):
*ACE inhibitors in general, Celexa, Albuterol, Lisinopril, Plavix

(-) May cause voice changes/loss of voice:
*Advair, Albuterol, Fluticasone/Flonase, Lasix, Nasonex, Zoloft

(-) May cause an overgrowth of candida possibly leading to laryngeal thrush:
*Amoxicillin, Augmentin, Cipro, Keflex, Levaquin, Penicillin, Zithromax (Zpak)

(-) May decrease platelet function during periods of high voice demands (this increases possibility of VF hemorrhage)
*Anticoagulants in general, Coumadin/Warfarin, Motrin/Ibuprofen, Naproxen

(+) May REDUCE damage of reflux:
*Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Protonix, Pepcid, Zantac (although pepcid & zantac have antihistamine component)

(+) No known (-)effects on voice:
*Folic Acid, Gardasil (HPV vaccine), Metformin, Human Insulin, Lopressor, Synthroid, Metoprolol, Nystatin, Potassium Chloride, Retin-A, Simvastatin, Singulair, Sudafed, Tramadol, Tylenol/Acetaminophen, Valtrex, Viagra
*Herbs: Aloe Vera, Arnica, Dandelion, Echinacea, Eucalyptus, Garlic, Ginger, Ginseng, Hawthorne, Kava, Kudzu, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Licorice, Marigold, Passion Flower, Raspberry, Saw Palmetto, St. John’s Wort, Turmeric, Valerian, Wild Cherry, Ginko Biloba

*SIDENOTE: This does not mean you shouldn’t take these meds/herbs; it means be AWARE of their possible effects on the voice, consider alternatives, &/or attempt to offset the effects (ex: increase hydration)*🗣
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*Source: National Center for Voice and Speech (www.ncvs.org)