Oral fluoroquinolones can affect attachments to bones, leading to which side effect?

Oral fluoroquinolones can affect attachments to bones, leading to which side effect?

• A. Nephrotoxicity
• B. Tendinitis
• C. Hepatotoxicity
• D. Hypothyroidism

Answer: (B)

Fluoroquinolones can disrupt connective tissues, especially at tendon insertions into bone. This makes tendons more prone to inflammation and injury, leading to tendinitis and, in some cases, tendon rupture. The Achilles tendon is classically affected, and symptoms include sudden tendon pain, swelling, or difficulty with movement. Because of this risk, these drugs are avoided or stopped promptly if tendon symptoms occur, and usage is reconsidered in patients with risk factors like older age or concurrent steroid therapy. Nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity are not the characteristic tendon-related injuries caused by these agents, and hypothyroidism is not a known association. Therefore, tendinitis best explains how oral fluoroquinolones can affect attachments to bones.

Fluoroquinolones can disrupt connective tissues, especially at tendon insertions into bone. This makes tendons more prone to inflammation and injury, leading to tendinitis and, in some cases, tendon rupture. The Achilles tendon is classically affected, and symptoms include sudden tendon pain, swelling, or difficulty with movement. Because of this risk, these drugs are avoided or stopped promptly if tendon symptoms occur, and usage is reconsidered in patients with risk factors like older age or concurrent steroid therapy. Nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity are not the characteristic tendon-related injuries caused by these agents, and hypothyroidism is not a known association. Therefore, tendinitis best explains how oral fluoroquinolones can affect attachments to bones.