Drug Interaction Report

Sucralfate and tetracycline should not be taken orally at the same time. Products that contain aluminum such as sucralfate may interfere with the absorption of tetracycline into the bloodstream and reduce its effectiveness. To minimize the potential for interaction, you should take tetracycline at least 2 hours before sucralfate. Talk to a healthcare professional if you have questions on how to take these or other medications you are prescribed. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours before or after taking tetracycline. These products can make tetracycline less effective in treating your infection. Do not take tetracycline with milk or other dairy products, unless your doctor has told you to. Dairy products can make it harder for your body to absorb the medication.

When sucralfate is given with enteral (tube) feedings, the feeding tube may become clogged and/or sucralfate may not work as well. You could interrupt the feeding for 1 hour before and after the sucralfate dose. However, this still may not entirely avoid the interaction and may not always be feasible. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Iron can bind to tetracycline in the gastrointestinal tract, which may prevent their absorption into the bloodstream and possibly reduce their effectiveness. To avoid or minimize the interaction, iron-containing medications and tetracycline should preferably be taken at least three to four hours apart in most cases. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns, or if you have trouble separating the dosing times. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.