Fluoroquinolones and the Risk of Achilles Tendon Disorders: Update on a Neglected Complication

Urology. 2018 Mar:113:20-25. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2017.10.017. Epub 2017 Oct 23.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the current evidence and to identify associated risk factors that increase the incidence of this complication. Fluoroquinolone (FQ) has been considered the first-line therapy for uncomplicated urinary infections. FQ has been associated with Achilles tendon disorders, especially during the first month of treatment.

Methods: Data sources searched included PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus from January 1988 to June 2017.

Results: A total of 79 articles were used, with ciprofloxacin representing the most common drug.

Conclusion: We found that male gender, advanced age, normal body mass index, chronic renal failure, and concurrent use of corticosteroids increase the risk of Achilles tendon disorders.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Achilles Tendon / injuries*
  • Achilles Tendon / pathology
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Fluoroquinolones / adverse effects*
  • Fluoroquinolones / therapeutic use
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Rupture, Spontaneous / chemically induced
  • Rupture, Spontaneous / epidemiology
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sex Factors
  • Tendinopathy / chemically induced*
  • Tendinopathy / epidemiology*
  • Tendinopathy / physiopathology
  • Urinary Tract Infections / diagnosis
  • Urinary Tract Infections / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Fluoroquinolones