Severe interactionSevereSeparate by 3h
Magnesium oxide and Tetracycline antibiotic: interaction, severity and spacing
Magnesium oxide and Tetracycline antibiotic interact because divalent cations chelate tetracyclines in the gut to form non-absorbable complexes, which can cut antibiotic absorption by more than half. Take them 3 hours apart. Severe risk.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-20Reviewed by: StackingRight clinical review
The interaction in detail
| Pair | Magnesium oxide and Tetracycline antibiotic |
|---|---|
| Type | Nutrient–drug interaction |
| Severity | Severe |
| Required spacing | 3 hours minimum |
| Onset | At the time of dosing |
Mechanism
Divalent cations chelate tetracyclines in the gut to form non-absorbable complexes, which can cut antibiotic absorption by more than half.
What to do
Separate magnesium and tetracyclines by at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after the antibiotic dose.