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Can I eat this with Ciprofloxacin?
Calcium in dairy products and calcium-fortified drinks stops your body absorbing all of the ciprofloxacin, so it can work less well.
Also sold as Ciproxin, Ciproxin I.V. Flexibag. Brand names from the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices.
Type any food below for an instant verdict — we check 33 foods and drinks for Ciprofloxacin (0 to avoid, 32 to take care with) — or tap one below.
Quick answers
- Should I take Ciprofloxacin with food?
- Leave a gap of at least 2 hours between ciprofloxacin and dairy or calcium-fortified food and drink.
- Can I drink milk with Ciprofloxacin?
- Yes, with care. Do not take your dose with milk; leave at least 2 hours between them.
- Can I eat cheese with Ciprofloxacin?
- Yes, with care. Do not take your dose with cheese; leave at least 2 hours between them.
- Can I eat dairy products with Ciprofloxacin?
- Yes, with care. Keep dairy at least 2 hours away from your dose, as it can stop the medicine being absorbed.
- Can I drink plant milk with added calcium with Ciprofloxacin?
- Yes, with care. Calcium-fortified plant milk needs a gap of at least 2 hours from your dose.
- Can I drink alcohol with Ciprofloxacin?
- Yes, with care. Try not to drink a lot, as alcohol can increase the risk of side effects.
Grounded in the checker below. Not a substitute for your pharmacist.
1 · What do you take?
Calcium in dairy products and calcium-fortified drinks stops your body absorbing all of the ciprofloxacin, so it can work less well.
Leave at least 2 hours between ciprofloxacin and dairy products or drinks with added calcium, as they can stop it working properly. Try to avoid drinking a lot of alcohol because it can increase the risk of side effects.
Browse our medication food guides →2 · What do you want to eat or drink?
When to take it: Leave a gap of at least 2 hours between ciprofloxacin and dairy or calcium-fortified food and drink.
Tap a food to see the answer, or type any food or drink in the box above.
Take care with Ciprofloxacin· 32
Fine with Ciprofloxacin· 1
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This checker summarises published guidance (NHS medicine pages, patient information leaflets and drug labels) for general information only. It is not medical advice, it is not exhaustive, and it cannot account for your dose, kidney function, other medicines, or health conditions. Always follow your prescriber, pharmacist, or the patient information leaflet — especially before changing what you eat or drink. See our editorial policy.
Further reading on Ciprofloxacin
The pages our answers quote. Every answer shows “Where this comes from” with the exact words, checked 19 October 2026. How we check
NHS website
Ciprofloxacin: antibiotic for bacterial infections
NHS information about the medicine ciprofloxacin, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.
US FDA drug label
US FDA drug label: Ciprofloxacin
The official US prescribing information for Ciprofloxacin, including how food, drink and other medicines affect it.
The Journal
Read our medication food guides →
A full Ciprofloxacin guide is on its way. Meanwhile, the Journal covers timing, grapefruit, alcohol and more.
Food groups that matter with Ciprofloxacin
Every medicine each one affects, on one page.