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From: kasey@trsvax
Newsgroups: net.med
Subject: Re: Tetracycline and Antacids
Message-ID: <38100008@trsvax>
Date: Tue, 25-Feb-86 17:02:00 EST
Article-I.D.: trsvax.38100008
Posted: Tue Feb 25 17:02:00 1986
Date-Received: Fri, 28-Feb-86 22:29:44 EST
References: <801@cylixd.UUCP>
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Nf-ID: #R:cylixd.UUCP:801:trsvax:38100008:000:1219
Nf-From: trsvax!kasey    Feb 25 16:02:00 1986


>On many antacids I see the warning "Do not take if you are currently
>taking any prescription medication containing any form of tetracycline."

>What are the side effects from disregarding this warning and taking
>the two together?

Antacids contain a high concentration of calcium.  So much so, in fact that
many woman take antacids to prevent osteoporosis (sp?).  Calcium prevents
tetracycline from performing its antibiotic duties.  So you are wasting your
money on the antibiotic if you take antacids with them.  Not to metion the
fact that you aren't curing whatever it is you need the antibiotic for.
There are no other side effects.

There should be a warning label on the side of the tetracycline bottle
warning you not to take it with milk products or iron.  My father takes
tetracycline for emphysema.  He also needs a daily calcium supplement.  I 
give him his antibiotic in the moring and his calcium at night.  I
understand that it is best to take calcium supplements just before retiring
for the evening anyway.  It helps you sleep better because of its relaxing
effects and it is absorbed better. 

I'm not a doctor.  And this should not be construed as medical advice.  I just
subscribe to Prevention!