Selected Cephalosporins/Antacids Interactions
This information is generalized and not intended as specific medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional before taking or discontinuing any drug or commencing any course of treatment.
Medical warning:
Moderate. These medicines may cause some risk when taken together. Contact your healthcare professional (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) for more information.
How the interaction occurs:
Antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) change the pH (acidity) of your GI tract and may decrease the amount of your antibiotic that gets into your bloodstream. Some vitamins may contain "hidden" antacids such as some forms of calcium and magnesium.
What might happen:
Your antibiotic may not work as well.
What you should do about this interaction:
Let your healthcare professionals (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) know that you are taking these medicines together.If you need to continue your antacid while you are taking your antibiotic for your infection, wait 1-2 hours after taking antacids before taking your cefuroxime. If you have any questions concerning the timing of your medicines, consult your pharmacist. Do not substitute antacids with a H2 blocker or proton pump inhibitor.Your healthcare professionals may already be aware of this interaction and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
- 1.Ceftin (cefuroxime axetil) US prescribing information. GlaxoSmithKline January, 2010.
- 2.Sommers DK, van Wyk M, Moncrieff J, Schoeman HS. Influence of food and reduced gastric acidity on the bioavailability of bacampicillin and cefuroxime axetil. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1984 Oct;18(4):535-9.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.