Drug interactions
Calcium chloride + Ciprofloxacin
Severity: Moderate
Calcium chloride and Ciprofloxacin: 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
Orally administered calcium chloride can bind ciprofloxacin in the gut and reduce its absorption. Lower systemic levels may lead to antibacterial treatment failure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Calcium chloride and Ciprofloxacin 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.
Why it happens
Chelation of ciprofloxacin by divalent calcium in the gastrointestinal tract forms poorly absorbed complexes.
What to do
Separate oral ciprofloxacin from oral calcium by giving it at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after. Intravenous calcium does not carry this absorption concern.
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?
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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 Calcium chloride with Ciprofloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Calcium chloride and Ciprofloxacin 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. Orally administered calcium chloride can bind ciprofloxacin in the gut and reduce its absorption. Lower systemic levels may lead to antibacterial treatment failure.
How serious is the interaction between Calcium chloride and Ciprofloxacin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Separate oral ciprofloxacin from oral calcium by giving it at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after. Intravenous calcium does not carry this absorption concern.
What other medicines interact with Ciprofloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ciprofloxacin with, for example, Agomelatine, Fezolinetant, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Ciprofloxacin page.
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