Can You Take Vitamins With Amoxicillin?
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses whether or not it is safe to take multivitamins with amoxicillin.
I am taking amoxicillin for a sinus infection. I take a daily multivitamin. Is it okay to take with amoxicillin?
Nov 14, 2022- Multivitamins are safe to take with amoxicillin because amoxicillin does not bind to the calcium, aluminum, and magnesium found in vitamins the way some other antibiotics do.
- You should always check with your pharmacist or doctor before taking any supplement with a medication since some vitamin and drug combinations can have serious interactions.
Answer
While the vitamins and minerals contained in multivitamins can certainly interact with a number of different medications, they are considered safe to take with amoxicillin.
When it comes to antibiotics and multivitamins, we are generally concerned about calcium, aluminum, and magnesium 'chelating' or binding, to antibiotics, which can significantly decrease their absorption. This is a concern with several antibiotic drug classes including:
- Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin)
- Tetracyclines (e.g., minocycline, tetracycline, doxycycline)
Fortunately, amoxicillin does not chelate with the ingredients in multivitamins and they are safe to combine.
Other Concerns With Multivitamin - Drug Interactions
While we're on the topic, I know you asked about antibiotics, but I think it is an important reminder that you should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before combining drugs and supplements.
Some major interactions between vitamins and drugs include:
- Vitamin B6 and levodopa
- Vitamin A and retinoids
- Potassium and ACE-Inhibitors
- Vitamin K and warfarin
- Vitamin E and cyclosporine
- Vitamin B6 and phenytoin
- Calcium and atazanavir
The above list provides only a small number of drug-vitamin/mineral interactions that can have significant clinical consequences.
Vitamins Are Recommended With Some Drugs
Even though there are concerns with interactions between some combinations, there are certainly cases where vitamins are recommended to take with certain drugs.
One such example is metformin and vitamin B6. Metformin can deplete vitamin B6 levels, which can increase the risk of nerve pain in diabetics. Vitamin B6 supplementation can help prevent this.
Diuretics are another great example of a drug (class) that can deplete certain vitamins and minerals.
Make sure you talk to your doctor or pharmacist for recommendations about what to take with your prescriptions.
Final Words
I hope you found this helpful!
Amoxicillin, as mentioned, is safe with your multivitamin, but always ask your healthcare professional about interactions before combining things!
References & sources
- Letter: Pyridoxine and serum concentration of phenytoin and phenobarbitone — PubMed
- Interaction of warfarin with drugs, natural substances, and foods — PubMed
- Amoxicillin Monograph — https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/amoxicillin
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Chelating
- Binding together in a way that prevents a substance from being absorbed by the body.
- Fluoroquinolones
- A class of antibiotics commonly used to treat bacterial infections.
- Tetracyclines
- A class of antibiotics used to treat various bacterial infections and some other conditions.
- Amoxicillin
- A type of antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections.
- ACE-Inhibitors
- A class of medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease.
- Warfarin
- A medication used to prevent blood clots.
- Metformin
- A medication commonly prescribed to help control blood sugar in people with diabetes.
- Diuretics
- Medications that increase the amount of water and salt removed from the body as urine.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
More answers from Brian →