HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

Will antibiotics still work if i don't take food with them?

A doctor has provided 1 answer
Dr. Stephen Southard answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Yes: In fact many antibiotics probably are a bit better absorbed without food. For example the fluoroquinolones like Levaquin or Cipro (ciprofloxacin) are not as well absorbed in the presence of minerals like calcium and magnesium - which are readily found in many foods.

Answered 10/11/2017

3.3k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

I didn't take my antibiotics for a bladder infection as often as I should have..Will they still work now?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

I either have a belly button infection or cyst not sure but I've been using mupirocin todays day 2 of using it not much improvement so far. How long do I use it? If doesn't work should I take oral antibiotic? No pain or red, some drainage still

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

About to finish my 3 day Zithromax 500 for strep throat. No more pain, but still having white patches on tonsils... Is this normal ? Will it take time to disappear or does it mean antibiotic didnt work? Thanks a lot

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

How long does antibiotics take to work on on staph infection? It has been 4 days and the wound is still growing? Should we call the dr?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

On antibiotics for strep throat. I take penicillin twice daily and forgot a whole day and started taking it again. Will it work still?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

Should I be going to my gp for an antibiotic? food poisoning. been to hospital on Sunday, was on a drip. Vomiting has stopped but tummy is still very runny. I'm travelling for work on Saturday so need to be okay sooner rather than later.
Can i take antibiotics 2 days after next choice. Will next choice still work?
I had a strep throat. I already take antibiotic but still doesnt work?
I have some left over Cipro antibiotic from November 2015. Is it still good/ will it work, or is it expired & unsafe to take?
I have to fast for 12hrs,My blood work is at 730pm,Its 8am now and I took a sip of milk,Will that mess up my results?Can I still take my antibiotic?

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.