Does Ciprofloxacin Cause Tendon Damage?
Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 20th, 2026.
Yes, ciprofloxacin can cause tendon damage, including tendonitis and tendon rupture. The FDA requires a black box warning for all fluoroquinolone antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, due to this increased risk. Studies show tendon problems occur in approximately 0.08-0.2% of patients taking ciprofloxacin. The Achilles tendon is most commonly affected, though other tendons can be involved. Risk factors include age over 60, corticosteroid use, kidney disease, and previous tendon disorders. Tendon damage can occur within hours to months after starting the medication and may persist long after discontinuation.
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