Antibiotics and Tendon Rupture
By Dr. Jen Milus, DC
There are new studies* out that indicate that people who are on, or have recently taken certain antibiotics are more prone to tendon and ligament ruptures! These drugs appear to chemically weaken soft tissues.
I am not suggesting that you or your child not take them. That’s your decision, not mine. However, if she does take them, her coach should know. She should be taking it light during the course of antibiotics and for 10 days afterwards. If you tell the coach this, and they look at you like you are nuts, send them to this web site and have them read this article themselves.
What else to do?
Ligaments, tendons and cartilage are made up of essentially the same matrix. Proteoglycans are used to synthesize the matrix. The precursors to proteoglycan synthesis are bio- available in a glucose amine sulfate. You won’t get enough in your regular diet to counteract the drugs effects. You’ll need to supplement.
What to Get:
Make sure you get Glucose amine Sulfate, and not Glucose amine HCL. They are not alike AT ALL. The HCL won’t work.
How much and how long?
Take 1200 mg/day for a month total, during and after the course of antibiotics. I suggest that everyone tale it all the time for maximum joint health. But at this time it is extremely important!
- Check out the literature at the web sites listed below:
Common antibiotics cause tendon ruptures; Public Citizen demands black box warnings
Antibiotics and athletic injury—warning - fluoroquinolones and tendon injuries - Brief Article
What about antibiotics for acne?
I would suggest that this type of treatment be left for off season, and that some topical treatment like Proactive Solution be used. I would recommend extending Glucose amine supplementation for 6 months after treatment stops… just to be on the safe side!
If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to write or call!
925/858-4375 coachjen@girlslax.org
Coach Jen
Dr. Jen Milus, DC
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