Drug interactions
Ciprofloxacin + Magnesium hydroxide
Severity: Major
Ciprofloxacin and Magnesium hydroxide: major 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
Magnesium in antacids chelates ciprofloxacin in the gut and markedly reduces its absorption. This can lead to subtherapeutic antibiotic levels and treatment failure or resistance.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ciprofloxacin and Magnesium hydroxide can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Ciprofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Magnesium hydroxide belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Chelation of ciprofloxacin by polyvalent magnesium cations in the gastrointestinal tract reduces absorption.
What to do
Give oral ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after magnesium hydroxide. Use a non-cation alternative where possible.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Magnesium hydroxide
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 Ciprofloxacin with Magnesium hydroxide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ciprofloxacin and Magnesium hydroxide can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Magnesium in antacids chelates ciprofloxacin in the gut and markedly reduces its absorption. This can lead to subtherapeutic antibiotic levels and treatment failure or resistance.
How serious is the interaction between Ciprofloxacin and Magnesium hydroxide?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Give oral ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after magnesium hydroxide. Use a non-cation alternative where possible.
What other medicines interact with Magnesium hydroxide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Magnesium hydroxide with, for example, Dolutegravir, Gemifloxacin, Levofloxacin. The full list is on the Magnesium hydroxide page.
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