Address Taste Disturbances to Prevent Med Adherence Issues

Which meds cause taste disturbances?

Certain meds can alter taste by changing the chemical makeup of taste buds...or decreasing production of saliva, which affects perception of taste.

These taste changes may impact med adherence in some patients.

ACE inhibitors (captopril, enalapril, etc) and ARBs (losartan, valsartan, etc) can dull taste...or cause a constant bitter, metallic, salty, or sweet taste.

Many eye drops (dorzolamide, azelastine, etc) and nasal sprays (fluticasone, mometasone, etc) can drain into the back of the nose and throat...causing an unpleasant taste.

Most statins (atorvastatin, etc) can reduce or alter taste.

Some antibiotics (metronidazole, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, etc) can cause metallic or other abnormal tastes.

Antidepressants (fluoxetine, amitriptyline, etc) can distort or dull taste...or cause dry mouth.

Metformin can cause a metallic taste.

Eszopiclone (Lunesta) can cause an unpleasant or bitter taste.

Midodrine can cause a strong, chalky taste.

If patients complain about altered taste, consider whether it might be drug-related.

The good news is that most taste disturbances are temporary or reversible. Suggest strategies that may help resolve the problem...or recommend a med switch if needed.

For example, suggest an artificial saliva product (Biotene, etc) for patients with dry mouth due to anticholinergics, tricyclics, etc.

Or tell patients to gently apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye after instilling eye drops...to limit drainage down the tear duct.

Learn about more meds that can alter taste with our chart, Drug-Induced Taste Disturbances.

• Chart: Drugs and Taste Disturbances