Aluminum Carbonate, Basic and Gatifloxacin Ophthalmic: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Gatifloxacin Ophthalmic
Aluminum Carbonate, Basic
No brand names on record
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
Loss of gatifloxacin efficacy
Interaction Deep Dive
The area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of gatifloxacin was significantly decreased when given concurrently with an aluminum- and magnesium-containing antacid (Maalox(R)). This occurred when the antacid was given either two hours before, with, or two hours after drug administration2. Antacids containing aluminum should be administered at least four hours after gatifloxacin 3.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Decreased gatifloxacin absorption due to chelation
Literature reports
1 report — tap to read
a) When a single oral dose of gatifloxacin 400 mg was given two hours before, concurrently, and two hours after a single dose of an aluminum/magnesium-containing antacid (1800 mg of aluminum oxide and 1200 mg of magnesium hydroxide), the maximum concentration (Cmax) was reduced by 15%, 69%, and 47%, respectively. The area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of gatifloxacin was also decreased by 17%, 64%, and 40%, respectively. No clinically significant effect was noted when the antacid was given four hours after gatifloxacin administration 1.
Common questions
Can I take Aluminum Carbonate, Basic and Gatifloxacin Ophthalmic together?
Loss of gatifloxacin efficacy Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Aluminum Carbonate, Basic and Gatifloxacin Ophthalmic interaction?
It is rated moderate. Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "rapid". Effects can appear quickly, often within about 24 hours of combining the drugs.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "probable". Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Aluminum Carbonate, Basic or Gatifloxacin Ophthalmic need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there anything you'd monitor while I'm on both?
References (3)
- Product Information: Tequin(TM), gatifloxacin. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ, 1999. DailyMed
- Lober S, Ziege S, Rau M, et alLober S, Ziege S, Rau M, et al: Gatifloxacin: pharmacokinetics and interaction with Maalox(R) (abstract), 38th ICAAC Meeting, San Diego, CA, 1998.
- Product Information: Tequin(TM), gatifloxacin. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ, 1999. DailyMed
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