Which item is described as reducing absorption of antibiotics?

Which item is described as reducing absorption of antibiotics?

• A. Grapefruit
• B. Calcium & Magnesium
• C. Antibiotics
• D. Vitamin C

Answer: (C)

Some antibiotics can form insoluble complexes in the gut with minerals, which prevents the drug from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Calcium and magnesium, found in dairy products, calcium supplements, and many antacids, are classic culprits. When these minerals bind to certain antibiotics (like tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones), they chelate the drug and reduce its absorption, lowering its therapeutic effect. That’s why this item is described as reducing absorption: calcium and magnesium disrupt how much antibiotic actually enters the body. Grapefruit mainly influences drug metabolism in the liver rather than absorption in the gut, and vitamin C doesn’t typically reduce absorption of antibiotics. Antibiotics themselves don’t generally cause reduced absorption of other antibiotics.

Some antibiotics can form insoluble complexes in the gut with minerals, which prevents the drug from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Calcium and magnesium, found in dairy products, calcium supplements, and many antacids, are classic culprits. When these minerals bind to certain antibiotics (like tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones), they chelate the drug and reduce its absorption, lowering its therapeutic effect. That’s why this item is described as reducing absorption: calcium and magnesium disrupt how much antibiotic actually enters the body.

Grapefruit mainly influences drug metabolism in the liver rather than absorption in the gut, and vitamin C doesn’t typically reduce absorption of antibiotics. Antibiotics themselves don’t generally cause reduced absorption of other antibiotics.