Based on FDA | Is it safe to take ciprofloxacin with milk, or does milk interfere with its absorption?

Milk can interfere with the absorption of ciprofloxacin, so taking the tablet together with milk or yogurt is generally discouraged. ^[1] This is because components in dairy especially calcium and milk proteins can bind (chelate or adsorb) ciprofloxacin in the gut and lower how much of the antibiotic gets into your bloodstream. ^[2]

What the evidence shows

• In human volunteer studies, taking ciprofloxacin with milk or yogurt reduced blood levels and overall exposure to the drug by about 30–36%, and lowered the peak concentration by roughly 36–47%. ^[3] These changes suggest a meaningful reduction in absorption that could make the antibiotic less effective, particularly for infections where higher drug levels are important. ^[3]
• Official prescribing information advises avoiding ciprofloxacin tablets with dairy products or calcium‑fortified juices “alone,” because decreased absorption is possible. ^[1] It clarifies that ciprofloxacin tablets may be taken with a meal that contains dairy, rather than with dairy as the only accompanying item. ^[1]

Why dairy lowers absorption

• Calcium in milk can form non‑absorbable complexes with ciprofloxacin (a fluoroquinolone), preventing it from being absorbed. ^[4]
• Casein and other milk proteins can also adsorb ciprofloxacin, further reducing its availability an effect shown to be even more pronounced than calcium in lab testing. ^[2]

Practical guidance

• Avoid taking ciprofloxacin with dairy products alone (e.g., swallowing your dose with a glass of milk or a serving of yogurt). Use water to take the tablet. ^[1]
• If you prefer to take ciprofloxacin with food, a mixed meal that happens to include some dairy is typically acceptable, as long as dairy is not the main co‑administered item. Do not take the dose “with milk/yogurt” specifically. ^[1]
• Keep a time gap from high‑calcium products, calcium‑fortified juices, antacids containing magnesium/aluminum, sucralfate, and supplements with calcium, iron, or zinc, which also reduce ciprofloxacin absorption. A common approach is to take ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after these products. ^[5]
• If your infection is severe or the bacteria is only moderately sensitive, it’s especially important to maximize absorption by separating dairy and mineral supplements from your dose. ^[3]

Key takeaways

• Do not take ciprofloxacin with milk or yogurt alone; use water. ^[1]
• A mixed meal that contains some dairy can be acceptable, but avoid pairing the dose directly with dairy as the main item. ^[1]
• Separate ciprofloxacin from calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium/aluminum antacids by 2 hours before or 6 hours after. ^[5]
• Reduced absorption with dairy has been demonstrated in clinical studies, with 30–36% lower exposure. ^[3]

If you need help spacing doses around meals, supplements, or antacids, I can suggest a simple schedule that fits your routine.