Page Navigation Minerals
- Take at a Different Time of Day
St. John's Wort, Dong Quai
- Possible Harmful Interaction
Citrate - Possible Harmful Interaction
Numerous minerals, including aluminum (found in many antacids), bismuth (in Pepto-Bismol),
calcium
,
iron
,
magnesium
, and
zinc
, interfere with the absorption of medications in the tetracycline family (and vice versa).
1–4
The reason is the minerals and the drugs attach to each other and form insoluble chemicals that simply pass out of the digestive tract. The best solution is to avoid taking supplements that contain these minerals within the 2 hours before or after your dose of tetracycline medication.
Tetracycline antibiotics have been reported to cause increased sensitivity to the sun, amplifying the risk of sunburn or skin rash. Because St. John's wort and dong quai may also cause this problem, taking these herbal supplements during tetracycline treatment might add to this risk.
It may be a good idea to wear a sunscreen or protective clothing during sun exposure if you take one of these herbs with a tetracycline antibiotic.
Citrate
Possible Harmful Interaction
Potassium citrate, sodium citrate, and potassium-magnesium citrate are sometimes used to prevent
kidney stones
. These supplements reduce urinary acidity, and can therefore lead to decreased blood levels and effectiveness of tetracycline antibiotics.
5
References
1.
Drug evaluations subscription (section 13, chapter 5). Vol. II. Chicago: American Medical Association, Winter 1993.
2.
Tatro D, ed. Drug interaction facts. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1999: 1060, 1061, 1062, 1068, 1069, 1071.
3.
Campbell NR and Hasinoff BB. Iron supplements: a common cause of drug interactions.
Br J Clin Pharmacol
31(3): 251–255, 1991.
4.
Neuvonen PJ. Interactions with the absorption of tetracyclines.
Drugs
11: 45–54, 1976.
5.
Tatro D, ed. Drug Interaction Facts. St. Louis, Mo: Facts and Comparisons; 1999.
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Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
