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Drug interactions

Calcium carbonate + Demeclocycline

Severity: Moderate

Calcium carbonate and Demeclocycline: moderate 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

Calcium forms insoluble complexes with tetracyclines in the gut, reducing demeclocycline absorption and potentially causing antibiotic treatment failure.

What this interaction means in plain words

Calcium carbonate and Demeclocycline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

Chelation of demeclocycline by calcium ions in the gastrointestinal tract decreases absorption.

What to do

Give demeclocycline at least 2 hours before or several hours after calcium carbonate. Consider an alternative if separation is not feasible.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Calcium carbonate with Demeclocycline?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Calcium carbonate and Demeclocycline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Calcium forms insoluble complexes with tetracyclines in the gut, reducing demeclocycline absorption and potentially causing antibiotic treatment failure.

How serious is the interaction between Calcium carbonate and Demeclocycline?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Give demeclocycline at least 2 hours before or several hours after calcium carbonate. Consider an alternative if separation is not feasible.

What other medicines interact with Calcium carbonate?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Calcium carbonate with, for example, Acalabrutinib, Alendronate, Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan. The full list is on the Calcium carbonate page.

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