Food and medicine interaction
Magnesium and zinc supplements and tetracyclines such as doxycycline, and quinolones such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin
EstablishedEvidence level: established. Shown in drug labeling or in controlled studies in people.
Last reviewed
What can happen
Magnesium and zinc taken at the same time as these antibiotics can block absorption of the antibiotic, and of the zinc, so the antibiotic may not work as well as it should.
- Why it happens
- Magnesium and zinc form insoluble complexes with tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics in the gut.
- At ordinary food amounts
- Supplements, multivitamins with minerals and magnesium antacids are the main concern. MedlinePlus also names antacids and multivitamins containing magnesium, zinc or iron for ciprofloxacin.
What to do
NIH's Office of Dietary Supplements advises taking these antibiotics at least 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after a magnesium or zinc supplement. Check the exact gap for your antibiotic with your pharmacist, and keep taking the antibiotic as prescribed.
Never stop or change a prescribed medicine without talking to the prescriber.
Common questions
Can I have magnesium and zinc supplements while taking antibiotics?
NIH's Office of Dietary Supplements advises taking these antibiotics at least 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after a magnesium or zinc supplement. Check the exact gap for your antibiotic with your pharmacist, and keep taking the antibiotic as prescribed. Supplements, multivitamins with minerals and magnesium antacids are the main concern. MedlinePlus also names antacids and multivitamins containing magnesium, zinc or iron for ciprofloxacin.
Sources
Related
- RemedyMagnesium-rich foods: the full evidence pagePumpkin seeds, nuts, beans, leafy greens and whole grains are the main food sources. Many Americans eat less than the recommended amount, and supplement trials show small effects.
- Interaction · EstablishedCoffee, tea, cola, energy drinks and chocolate and ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and some other quinolone antibiotics
- Interaction · EstablishedMagnesium supplements and magnesium antacids and oral bisphosphonates such as alendronate (Fosamax)
- Interaction · EstablishedMilk, yogurt, cheese and calcium-fortified juice and tetracycline antibiotics and fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin