How Dairy, calcium, iron, or antacids with certain antibiotics Affects Your Medications
Take these antibiotics at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after dairy, calcium/iron supplements, or antacids.
This interaction is generally considered moderate in severity.
How It Happens
Calcium, magnesium, aluminum, and iron bind (chelate) these antibiotics in the gut, greatly reducing how much medicine is absorbed and how well the infection is treated.
What to Do
Take these antibiotics at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after dairy, calcium/iron supplements, or antacids.
Medication Classes Affected
Specific Medications to Watch
This information is educational — not medical advice.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.