I am taking Doxycyline long term and unless I take it first then eat immediately, I get severe heartburn. I have a prescription for Prilosec and think that it might help, but can't coordinate my times to take my meds and eat, etc. Will the Prilosec counteract the Doxycyline if I take it within 1/2 hour after taking it? Is Prilosec considered to be an antacid?
Can I take Prilosec 1/2 hour prior to taking Doxycycline?
Question posted by Masonsnana1 on 15 Sep 2009
Last updated on 11 September 2011
Answers
Prilosec isn't considered an antacid in this case.
Tetracycline antibiotics, including doxycycline, often come with a warning that states "do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours before or after taking... "
It is the polyvalent ions (iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, aluminum) in these products that cause the problem. The ions bind to the tetracycline forming a complex that is poorly absorbed in the body and as a result significantly decreases the effectiveness of the tetracycline antibiotic.
Spacing the doses by at least 2 hours solves the problem. In the older tetracyclines, even the calcium in milk was enough to make some of the tetracyclines ineffective. It is the same interaction with calcium that caused mottled teeth in children years ago. It is this reason tetracyclines are no longer prescribed to children.
Prilosec works in a different way (it actually reduces that acid in the stomach rather than neutralizing the acid like the antacids) so you don't have to worry about the spacing issue.
Having some food in your stomach first may help with the heartburn problem. Also make sure you wash the doxycycline down with a full glass of water and don't lay down immediately after.
You will find more information at https://www.drugs.com/doxycycline.html
are you sure that your having heartburn? I took doxycycline too, and I didn't drink enough water with my pill and it created an ulcer in my esophagus and stomach. It felt just like severe heartburn.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
are you sure that your having heartburn? I took doxycycline too, and I didn't drink enough water with my pill and it created an ulcer in my esophagus and stomach. It felt just like severe heartburn.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
are you sure that your having heartburn? I took doxycycline too, and I didn't drink enough water with my pill and it created an ulcer in my esophagus and stomach. It felt just like severe heartburn.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
https://www.drugs.com/answers/can-i-take-prilosec-1-2-hour-prior-to-taking-83307.html
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