Can I take Ciprofloxacin and Digoxin together?

Why this happens

Ciprofloxacin can change the way your body processes digoxin. It may interfere with certain proteins in the gut that normally pump digoxin out of the body, and it can also change the bacteria in your gut that help break digoxin down. This results in more of the medicine staying in your system.

You must speak to your doctor before taking these two medicines together. If your doctor decides you need both, they may want to perform extra blood tests to monitor your digoxin levels or adjust your dose. Seek medical help immediately if you feel dizzy, have a very slow or irregular pulse, or notice changes in your vision.

Tendon health

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any pain, swelling, or inflammation in your tendons (such as the ankle or calf), as this medicine increases the risk of tendon rupture.

Digoxin toxicity

Seek urgent medical advice if you notice new blurred vision, yellow-green halos around lights, or a sudden loss of appetite with nausea, as these are signs that your dose may be too high.

Sun sensitivity

This medicine makes your skin much more sensitive to sunlight; avoid direct sunlight and sunbeds, and use high-factor sun protection even on cloudy days to prevent severe burns.

Dairy products (milk, cheese, yoghurt) and calcium-fortified juices

Do not take ciprofloxacin at the same time as dairy products or calcium-fortified drinks. Calcium binds to the medicine and prevents your body from absorbing it properly. You can eat these foods as part of a main meal, but avoid taking the medicine with them alone. Leave a gap of at least 1-2 hours before or 4 hours after consuming these products.

Caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks)

Ciprofloxacin can stop your body from breaking down caffeine. This can lead to a build-up of caffeine in your system, making you feel shaky, sleepless, or giving you a racing heartbeat. It is best to limit your caffeine intake while taking this antibiotic.

High-fibre foods (such as bran)

Large amounts of dietary fibre can bind to digoxin in the gut and reduce the amount of medicine absorbed into your bloodstream. Try to take digoxin at least 2 hours before or after eating foods very high in fibre.

Black liquorice (natural)

Natural black liquorice contains glycyrrhizin, which can cause your body to lose potassium. Low potassium levels significantly increase the risk of digoxin toxicity (serious side effects). Avoid eating large amounts of natural liquorice.

Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.