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Does Levofloxacin Interact With Iron And Calcium Supplements?

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Posted on Tue, 26 Sep 2017
Question: Hi, I have a questions about the binding properties of antibiotic with vitamins and minerals. It says in the prescriptions that I have for LEVOFLOXACIN 500 mg. that it needs to be taken 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking other products that might make it work less well. I specifically have a question regarding the vitamins and minerals. I have read that it is important because the prescription needs to be absorbed into the bloodstream while in the stomach and things such as iron and calcium will bind with it and not allow the absorption. This part I understand but the question I have regards the effects of the interactions of the antibiotics and the vitamins and minerals binding together while in the bloodstream together? Does LEVOFLOXACIN bind specifically with CALCIUM or IRON while they are in the bloodstream together? Can things bind together while in the bloodstream in general?
THANK YOU VERY MUCH, SINCERELY, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (39 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Its not important

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
I am a clinical pharmacologist and will answer according to my knowledge of the matter.

The drug interaction of levofloxacin with iron and calcium is relevant during its absorption. In gut iron and calcium easily bind to levofloxacin and lower its absorption.

I could not find literature on its binding in blood. My understanding of the facts is as follows:

Since both calcium and iron are present in ionised as well as bound forms in blood, they may bind in blood. It is irrelevant in clinical scenario. The reason is that during drug development, they calculate the dose according to the efficacy (not according to binding in blood). It means that the scientists select the dose that is producing the desired effect or killing of germs.

Hope it clears you doubt. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vaishalee Punj (18 minutes later)
Thank You very much for your answer. I might have further questions about this, I am going to think about it for a while.

Thanks again,

XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (48 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Thanks

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for consulting me online.

Please revert back in case if further queries.

Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Vaishalee Punj

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 3277 Questions

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Does Levofloxacin Interact With Iron And Calcium Supplements?

Brief Answer: Its not important Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for your query. I am a clinical pharmacologist and will answer according to my knowledge of the matter. The drug interaction of levofloxacin with iron and calcium is relevant during its absorption. In gut iron and calcium easily bind to levofloxacin and lower its absorption. I could not find literature on its binding in blood. My understanding of the facts is as follows: Since both calcium and iron are present in ionised as well as bound forms in blood, they may bind in blood. It is irrelevant in clinical scenario. The reason is that during drug development, they calculate the dose according to the efficacy (not according to binding in blood). It means that the scientists select the dose that is producing the desired effect or killing of germs. Hope it clears you doubt. Let me know if I can assist you further. Dr Vaishalee