Can you drink milk with ciprofloxacin?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Not at the same time: calcium binds ciprofloxacin in the stomach and blocks absorption. The NHS rule is a gap of at least 2 hours between your dose and dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt) or calcium-fortified drinks - after that, dairy with a normal meal is fine. The same binding applies to calcium and iron supplements and antacids, so give those an even wider berth. Practical setup: dose with a plain meal or water, keep the latte and cereal 2 hours away. Eye and ear drop forms are unaffected by food. Took a dose with milk already? Do not double up - get the timing right from the next dose. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you build the schedule.
What to do
- 2-hour gap both ways: dairy and fortified drinks wait outside it.
- Supplements count too: calcium, iron, antacids - even wider spacing.
- Anchor doses to plain meals: simplest way to keep the gap.
- Slipped once? Continue normally: no doubling, just reset the timing.
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