The nurse teaches a client who is starting oral ciprofloxacin. Which statement shows correct understanding?
1I will take each dose with an antacid because magnesium improves ciprofloxacin absorption.
2I will separate antacids and mineral supplements from ciprofloxacin and report new tendon pain.✓ Correct answer
3I will take ciprofloxacin with milk alone because dairy products increase the drug concentration.
4I will continue exercising through tendon pain unless the tendon becomes visibly swollen.
Explanation
Antacids and supplements containing magnesium, aluminum, calcium, iron, or zinc can bind ciprofloxacin and reduce absorption; ciprofloxacin is generally taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after these products. It should not be taken with dairy products alone. New tendon pain, swelling, or inflammation requires stopping exercise, withholding further doses, and prompt clinical guidance because fluoroquinolones can cause tendon injury.
Clinical reasoning Multivalent cations chelate ciprofloxacin and lower gastrointestinal absorption. Fluoroquinolone-associated tendon injury can occur before rupture and is not a symptom to exercise through.
Decision rule Separate ciprofloxacin from cation-containing products, avoid taking it with dairy alone, maintain hydration, and promptly report tendon symptoms.