Drug interactions
Acetylsalicylic acid + Ciprofloxacin
Severity: Minor
Acetylsalicylic acid and Ciprofloxacin: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Buffered aspirin preparations containing aluminum, magnesium or calcium may bind ciprofloxacin in the gut and lower its absorption, risking reduced antibacterial effect. Plain aspirin has little such effect, though high-dose salicylates with quinolones have also been linked to a theoretical increase in CNS stimulation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Acetylsalicylic acid and Ciprofloxacin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Acetylsalicylic acid belongs to Musculoskeletal; Ciprofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Chelation of ciprofloxacin by polyvalent cations in buffered aspirin formulations reduces its absorption.
What to do
If a buffered aspirin product is used, give ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after it. Plain aspirin does not require separation.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Acetylsalicylic acid
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Abciximab + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acemetacin + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acetazolamide + Acetylsalicylic acid Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Alteplase Major
Other interactions of Ciprofloxacin
- Agomelatine + Ciprofloxacin Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Tizanidine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Alosetron + Ciprofloxacin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Acetylsalicylic acid with Ciprofloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Acetylsalicylic acid and Ciprofloxacin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Buffered aspirin preparations containing aluminum, magnesium or calcium may bind ciprofloxacin in the gut and lower its absorption, risking reduced antibacterial effect. Plain aspirin has little such effect, though high-dose salicylates with quinolones have also been linked to a theoretical increase in CNS stimulation.
How serious is the interaction between Acetylsalicylic acid and Ciprofloxacin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: If a buffered aspirin product is used, give ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after it. Plain aspirin does not require separation.
What other medicines interact with Acetylsalicylic acid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Acetylsalicylic acid with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Abciximab. The full list is on the Acetylsalicylic acid page.
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