A preventable, life-altering case of fluoroquinolone-associated tendonitis. Issue 11 (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wildermuth, Anne; Holmes, Megan
• Is Part Of: JAAPA. Volume 35:Issue 11(2022)
• Page Start: 33
• Page End: 36
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: fluoroquinolone -- tendonitis -- tendon rupture -- asymptomatic bacteriuria -- acute cystitis -- levofloxacin; Medicine -- Periodicals; Physicians' assistants -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Physician Assistants -- Periodicals; Medicine; Physicians' assistants; Periodicals; 610.7372069
• DOI: 10.1097/01.JAA.0000873776.37967.9b
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0893-7400

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, are broad-spectrum antibacterial agents that have historically been widely used for urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and intra-abdominal infections but are associated with several serious adverse reactions, including tendinopathy and tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and aortic aneurysm. These drugs should not be used for uncomplicated infections unless no other antimicrobial treatment is feasible. This article describes a patient who experienced life-altering disability from a fluoroquinolone, reviews the adverse reactions of this drug class, and discusses recommended treatment for acute uncomplicated cystitis and asymptomatic bacteriuria.