Medications
Supplements and Tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics
doxycycline, minocycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin
Caution
Minerals in multivitamins can block these antibiotics. Calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc in multivitamins bind tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics. Space them as the antibiotic's label advises.
Calcium blocks absorption of these antibiotics. Calcium binds tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics in the gut, which can make the antibiotic less effective. Typically take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after calcium — the exact spacing depends on the drug, so follow its label.
Iron blocks absorption of these antibiotics. Iron binds tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics in the gut, which can make the antibiotic less effective. Typically take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after iron — the exact spacing depends on the drug, so follow its label.
Magnesium blocks absorption of these antibiotics. Magnesium binds tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics in the gut, which can make the antibiotic less effective. Typically take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after magnesium — the exact spacing depends on the drug, so follow its label.
Zinc blocks absorption of these antibiotics. Zinc binds tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics in the gut, which can make the antibiotic less effective. Typically take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after zinc — the exact spacing depends on the drug, so follow its label.
The calcium in Ca-AKG blocks absorption of these antibiotics. Calcium binds tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics in the gut, which can make the antibiotic less effective. Typically take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after Ca-AKG — follow the drug's label.
Note
Space probiotics from antibiotics. Take probiotics at least 2 hours after the antibiotic so fewer organisms are killed.
Common questions
Can I take Multivitamin/mineral with Tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics?
Minerals in multivitamins can block these antibiotics. Calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc in multivitamins bind tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics. Space them as the antibiotic's label advises.
Can I take Calcium with Tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics?
Calcium blocks absorption of these antibiotics. Calcium binds tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics in the gut, which can make the antibiotic less effective. Typically take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after calcium — the exact spacing depends on the drug, so follow its label.
Can I take Iron with Tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics?
Iron blocks absorption of these antibiotics. Iron binds tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics in the gut, which can make the antibiotic less effective. Typically take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after iron — the exact spacing depends on the drug, so follow its label.
Can I take Magnesium with Tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics?
Magnesium blocks absorption of these antibiotics. Magnesium binds tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics in the gut, which can make the antibiotic less effective. Typically take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after magnesium — the exact spacing depends on the drug, so follow its label.
Can I take Zinc with Tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics?
Zinc blocks absorption of these antibiotics. Zinc binds tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics in the gut, which can make the antibiotic less effective. Typically take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after zinc — the exact spacing depends on the drug, so follow its label.
Can I take Ca-AKG with Tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics?
The calcium in Ca-AKG blocks absorption of these antibiotics. Calcium binds tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics in the gut, which can make the antibiotic less effective. Typically take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after Ca-AKG — follow the drug's label.