Regarding the treatment of infections, quinolones are what in patients with a history of tendon disorders?

• A. Contraindicated in patients w/ a history of tendon disorders
• B. Safe in all ages
• C. First-line for tendon disorders
• D. Only interact with antacids

Answer: (A)

Infections treated with quinolones carry a notable risk of tendon injury, including tendinopathy and tendon rupture. When a patient has a history of tendon disorders, that baseline vulnerability is not favorable, because fluoroquinolones can further weaken tendons and precipitate rupture. For this reason, these antibiotics are avoided (contraindicated) in individuals with a history of tendon problems to minimize the chance of serious tendon damage.

Context that helps you understand the risk: the tendon-related adverse effects tend to occur more in older adults and can be amplified by other factors like corticosteroid use. These effects can happen during treatment or shortly after finishing therapy, underscoring why clinicians err on the side of caution in patients with prior tendon issues.

Why the other statements aren’t correct: quinolones are not universally safe across all ages, and they’re not used to treat tendon disorders themselves. They also have interactions beyond antacids, notably with multivalent cations (such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc) that can reduce absorption, among other potential drug interactions.