Achilles tendinitis induced by pefloxacin and other fluoroquinolone derivatives

Four cases have been reported to the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Foundation LAREB of Achilles tendinitis, as a suspected adverse reaction to pefloxacin. More than 20 cases of tendinitis and tendon rupture have previously been described in the literature in association with pefloxacin and various other fluoroquinolone derivatives. The mechanism involved is still unknown. Tendon disorders as an adverse drug reaction are very rarely reported to the WHO Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring. The exception is in association with fluoroquinolone derivatives. More information is needed with regard to the frequency of tendinopathy during the use of pefloxacin and the other drugs in this group. Patients using a fluoroquinolone derivative should be informed on the risk of developing tendinitis and tendon rupture.