Which statement best describes the tendinopathy risk associated with fluoroquinolones?

Which statement best describes the tendinopathy risk associated with fluoroquinolones?

• A. Low risk in all populations
• B. Common adverse effect affecting tendons
• C. No risk with topical forms
• D. Only risks in pediatric patients

Answer: (B)

Fluoroquinolones can cause tendinopathy, including tendonitis and even tendon rupture. The tendons, especially the Achilles, can be affected because these drugs can disrupt tendon structure and collagen turnover, making tendons more vulnerable to injury. The risk is notable in certain groups—older adults, and people taking systemic corticosteroids or who have certain comorbidities—so clinicians must warn patients to report sudden tendon pain, swelling, or weakness and to stop the drug if such symptoms appear. In practice, this makes the statement that fluoroquinolones are associated with tendinopathy a recognized adverse effect affecting tendons the best description. The other options either imply no risk or misstate who is affected (for example, suggesting no risk with topical forms or that only pediatric patients are at risk), which doesn’t align with the known association.

Fluoroquinolones can cause tendinopathy, including tendonitis and even tendon rupture. The tendons, especially the Achilles, can be affected because these drugs can disrupt tendon structure and collagen turnover, making tendons more vulnerable to injury. The risk is notable in certain groups—older adults, and people taking systemic corticosteroids or who have certain comorbidities—so clinicians must warn patients to report sudden tendon pain, swelling, or weakness and to stop the drug if such symptoms appear. In practice, this makes the statement that fluoroquinolones are associated with tendinopathy a recognized adverse effect affecting tendons the best description. The other options either imply no risk or misstate who is affected (for example, suggesting no risk with topical forms or that only pediatric patients are at risk), which doesn’t align with the known association.