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Levofloxacin-associated Achilles tendon rupture and tendinopathy
Asa Melhus1, Jan Apelqvist, Jan Larsson
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Malmö University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden. asa.melhus@mikrobiol.mas.lu.se
Abstract:
Fluoroquinolones have a documented ability to induce Achilles tendinopathy. Hitherto, few published reports have implicated levofloxacin. This article reports 5 cases of Achilles tendon disorders, including 3 complicated by rupture of the tendon, during levofloxacin treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Insights
Fluoroquinolones can cause Achilles tendinopathy. This study highlights five cases of Achilles tendon issues, including ruptures, linked to levofloxacin use in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Fluoroquinolones are a class of antibiotics with known musculoskeletal side effects.
- Achilles tendinopathy and tendon rupture are potential adverse events associated with fluoroquinolone use.
- Levofloxacin is a commonly prescribed fluoroquinolone antibiotic.
Observation:
- This report details five cases of patients experiencing Achilles tendon disorders.
- These disorders occurred during treatment with levofloxacin for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Three of the five cases involved complete Achilles tendon rupture.
Findings:
- Levofloxacin treatment was associated with the development of Achilles tendinopathy in these patients.
- A significant proportion of cases (3 out of 5) resulted in severe tendon damage, specifically rupture.
- The findings suggest a potential link between levofloxacin and Achilles tendon pathology.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the risk of Achilles tendinopathy and rupture with levofloxacin.
- Monitoring for tendon-related symptoms is crucial in patients treated with levofloxacin, especially those with COPD.
- Further research may be warranted to elucidate the mechanism and incidence of levofloxacin-induced tendinopathy.
