The vitamins and mineral supplements you take can affect the way your body responds to prescription medicines. Both calcium and zinc can interact with certain antibiotics, including Levaquin, which also goes by the generic name of levofloxacin. Always discuss your vitamin and mineral supplementation with your doctor before taking any medications.
Levaquin
Levaquin is a type of fluoroquinolone antibiotic that your doctor may prescribe to treat bronchitis, as well as infections in your kidneys, urinary tract, sinuses and prostate. It may also help resolve certain skin infections. You may also receive this type of medication for the treatment of tuberculosis, endocarditis and some sexually transmitted diseases. Although you may take the tablet form with or without food, you should take the solution form between one and two hours after eating, according to Medline Plus. If you stop taking Levaquin too soon, or if you miss doses, your infection can return and the bacteria may develop a resistance to the antibiotic. Taking certain mineral supplements may limit the amount of Levaquin in your system.
Calcium
Although calcium is essential to proper bone health, taking this supplement with quinolone antibiotics, such as Levaquin, can reduce the amount of medicine your body absorbs. Taking the calcium supplements between two and four hours from the time you take your Levaquin dose can help you avoid this interaction.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace mineral that your body needs to support the health of your reproductive and immune systems. It helps to promote the health of your vision and thyroid gland. Like calcium, zinc supplements also tend to decrease your body's absorption of Levaquin. This mineral may also reduce the amount of medicine your body absorbs from tetracycline antibiotics. While zinc decreases the amount of Levaquin you absorb, other minerals, such as calcium, iron and copper can restrict your zinc absorption, possibly leading to a nutritional deficiency.
Precautions
Talk to your doctor before taking any vitamin and mineral supplements, especially if you take antibiotic medications. Follow the dosing instructions provided with your prescription, taking the Levaquin at the proper intervals. Notify your doctor if your infection does not respond to the antibiotic treatment, or if you experience any side effects of this drug, especially if they disrupt your daily routine or your ability to sleep and eat normally.
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