ANTIBACTERIAL DRUGS
Brief History. P.M. is a 40-year-old computer programmer/analyst and recreational runner. She typically runs 15 to 20 miles each week and occasionally competes in local 5- and 10-kilometer road races. Recently, she began to experience increased urinary frequency and a burning sensation while urinating and suspected she may have a urinary tract infection (UTI). She visited her physician, who confi rmed the infection and prescribed a short course of oral ciprofl oxacin (Cipro), 100 mg every 12 hours for 3 days. Several days later, she began to experience pain and stiffness in her left Achilles tendon. She had been steadily increasing her weekly mileage in preparation for a half-marathon and assumed her tendon pain was related to her increased training. She made an appointment with a physical therapist who had treated her running injuries in the past, including an episode of left Achilles tendinopathy that occurred several years ago.
Problem/Influence of Medication. The physical therapist performed a thorough evaluation, including a review of P.M.’s medications. P.M. mentioned that she had recently taken ciprofl oxacin for her UTI.
- Why should the therapist be concerned about the effects of ciprofl oxacin on P.M.’s Achilles tendon?
- What should the therapist do in this situation?
