Magnesium supplements can interfere with the way the body absorbs medications, including antibiotics. People can usually resolve this issue by leaving enough time in between a dose of antibiotics and taking supplements.

Interactions between magnesium and antibiotics may vary, depending on the type of antibiotics and the symptoms treated. Healing properties of the medications could be diminished. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking magnesium about one hour before or two hours after taking certain antibiotics, but some medications may need more time separation.

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Here are different types of antibiotics and their possible interactions with magnesium:

Aminoglycoside antibiotics can affect the muscles. Magnesium also works as a muscle relaxant, so taking the two together could cause muscle problems. Medications include Amikin, Garamycin, Kantrex, and Nebcin.

Quinolone antibiotics include Cipro, Penetrex, Chibroxin, Noroxin, Zagam, Trovan and Raxar. These medicines might lose their potency and effectiveness when taken with magnesium. Interactions can be avoided by taking the antibiotics at least two hours before or four to six hours after taking magnesium supplements, according to RxList.

Tetracycline antibiotics can lose effectiveness when magnesium attaches to the tetracyclines in the stomach. The body then absorbs less of the medicine because of the interference.

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RxList recommends taking calcium two hours before or four hours after taking tetracyclines to avoid interactions. Magnesium works in conjunction with calcium to strengthen bones and teeth. Medline Plus advises taking tetracycline an hour before or an hour after taking calcium supplements or laxatives that contain magnesium.

Tetracyclines include Declomycin, Minocin, and Achromycin.

Check with your doctor when you are prescribed antibiotics to avoid interactions with medications. You can always get healthy doses of magnesium through foods. Include whole grains, dark green vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, dairy products, fish and meat in your diet.

Low magnesium levels can cause symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, numbness, tingling, and muscle contractions. Magnesium deficiencies can worsen certain health conditions. Excessive magnesium intake from supplements can also cause reactions from upset stomach and diarrhea to vomiting, confusion and low blood pressure.

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