Levofloxacin-induced Achilles tendinitis in a young adult in the absence of predisposing conditions

Yonsei Med J. 2010 May;51(3):454-6. doi: 10.3349/ymj.2010.51.3.454.

Abstract

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) represent a major class of antimicrobials that have a high potential as therapeutic agents. Although FQs are generally safe for the use as antimicrobials, they may induce tendinopathic complications such as tendinitis and tendon rupture. A number of factors have been suggested to further predispose a patient to such injuries. Hitherto, a few published cases on tendon disorders have implicated levofloxacin, a more recently introduced FQ. Here, we report a patient with levofloxacin-induced Achilles tendinitis, who exhibited no known predisposing factors. A 20-year-old man without any history of disease or medication presented with community-acquired pneumonia. Levofloxacin was administered and 3 days later, he complained of pain in the left Achilles tendon and revealed redness and swelling in the area. On suspecting Achilles tendinitis, levofloxacin treatment was discontinued, and the tendinitis subsequently improved. To our knowledge, this is the first case report on FQ-induced Achilles tendinitis in Korea.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Achilles Tendon / drug effects*
  • Achilles Tendon / pathology
  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Community-Acquired Infections / drug therapy
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Humans
  • Levofloxacin*
  • Male
  • Ofloxacin / adverse effects*
  • Ofloxacin / therapeutic use
  • Pneumonia / drug therapy
  • Tendinopathy / chemically induced*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Levofloxacin
  • Ofloxacin