Antacids and Ciprofloxacin

Hi all,

I was diagnosed with a prostate infection (prostatitis) last week and prescribed 500mg Cipro twice daily for a month. The pharmacist told me to avoid calcium-based antacids to which I asked if Nexium was okay and she said yes. However, I’ve also read from two sources that aluminum and magnesium bind to Cipro and thus I should avoid alumunium and/or magnesium-based antacids as well. I take Nexium every day as I have (undiagnosed) acid reflux that results in pretty unbearable heartburn after a day or two being off the antacids.

I can’t tell if taking Nexium will interfere with the efficacy of the Cirpo or not. Straight magnesium or aluminum aren’t listed as the inactive ingredient of Nexium, but compounds of the two are (e.g., no 2 aluminum lake and esomeprazole magnesium). Anyone  know if it’s okay to take Nexium and Cirpo within the same hour or so? If not, how long should I wait to take Nexium after taking Cirpo, or what other antacids would be better?

Thanks for any/all help!

If unsure about the Nexium, I would discuss this with your doctor and say you really need something for your heartburn that will not interact with your medication.