
16/09/2025
Case: A 28-year-old patient was prescribed ciprofloxacin for a urinary tract infection. She took her antibiotic with her daily glass of milk 🥛. What Happened? Symptoms persisted even after 5 days of therapy. Antibiotic absorption was reduced. Risk of treatment failure & resistance increased. Pharmacology Insight: Ciprofloxacin (and similar antibiotics like doxycycline, tetracycline) binds with calcium in milk, yogurt, cheese. This prevents proper absorption in the gut. Result → Lower drug levels → Reduced effectiveness. Key Takeaway for Pharmacists & Clinicians: 💡 Counsel patients to: Take these antibiotics with water 💧 Avoid dairy 2 hours before & after dosing Check for food–drug interactions when dispensing 📚 Reference: U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Drug Interactions: What You Should Know.