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.
1. Why should the therapist be concerned about the effects of ciprofl oxacin on P.M.’s Achilles tendon?
2. What should the therapist do in this situation?
