Magnesium - Metronidazole, Tetracyline, Bismuth Subcitrate Potassium Interaction
Herbal: Magnesium
Also Known As: Chelated Magnesium, Dimagnesium Malate, Epsom Salts, Magnesia, Magnesium Aspartate, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium Chelate, Magnésium Chelaté, Magnesium Chloride, Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Gluconate, Magnesium Glycerophosphate, Magnesium Glycinate
Drug: Metronidazole, Tetracyline, Bismuth Subcitrate Potassium
Brand names:
Pylera

Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
Metronidazole, Tetracyline, Bismuth Subcitrate Potassium is classified as belonging to the following category: Tetracycline Antibiotics
Magnesium decreases absorption of tetracyclines.
Magnesium can form insoluble complexes with tetracyclines in the gut and decrease their absorption and antibacterial activity. Advise patients to take these drugs 1 hour before or 2 hours after magnesium supplements.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
ProbableInteraction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
References
- Sompolinsky D, Samra Z. Influence of magnesium and manganese on some biological and physical properties of tetracycline. J Bacteriol 1972;110:468-76..
Magnesium Overview

Metronidazole, Tetracyline, Bismuth Subcitrate Potassium Overview
-
Bismuth, metronidazole, and tetracycline is used along with other ulcer medications to treat duodenal ulcers. It is in a class of medications called antibacterial agents. It works by preventing the growth and spread of Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which often occurs with ulcers. Treating this infection keeps ulcers from coming back.
Magnesium - More Interactions
Magnesium interacts with 279 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
Return to the main supplement interaction checker page
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.