Drug-Related Taste Disturbances

Drug-induced change in taste is the second most common cause of taste disturbance among our patients, accounting for approximately 25% of cases. About 170 drugs have been associated with taste disturbances, either when used alone or in combinations. We studied the zinc-chelating capability of 20 drugs associated with taste disturbance, using the pH titration test, DC polarography, spectrophotometry and tests of intestinal absorption of zinc in the presence of these drugs. The results of these analyses and our review of the literature indicate that there are a number of possible mechanisms for drug-related taste disturbance and that zinc plays a key role.