# Drug and Vitamin Interaction Question **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 25, 2001, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drug-and-vitamin-interaction-question/66462 "2001-05-25T08:04:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mephisto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/48db29/32.png) [@Mephisto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mephisto)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2001, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drug-and-vitamin-interaction-question/66462/1 "2001-05-25T08:04:32Z")
I’m currently suffering from this nasty ear-sinus-throat-lung infection. My doctor prescribed me this suped up cough syrup and an antibiotic called Levaquin. While taking these meds, I’m not supposed to take any vitamins or risk suffering an “adverse” reaction. I’m wondering what sort of adverse reaction that could be and why I’d suffer it. I probably should have asked the doctor these questions but I was pretty out of it when I saw him, and I don’t want to call him because he’s a quack and I only dealt with him the first time because I was desperate. So, anybody know why I shouldn’t take vitamins? I mean, aren’t you supposed to take vitamins when you’re sick, or at least lots of stuff like orange juice which has lots of vitamins? This is a new one to me. Any ideas? Just curious. ---
**Author:** ![dakota98](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bc8723/32.png) [@dakota98](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dakota98)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2001, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drug-and-vitamin-interaction-question/66462/2 "2001-05-25T13:41:48Z")
I’ve found this site to be very helpful in researching such things… > **[WebMD - Better information. Better health.](https://www.webmd.com)** > > The leading source for trustworthy and timely health and medical news and information. Providing credible health information, supportive community, and educational services by blending award-winning expertise in content, community services, expert... ---
**Author:** ![LisaRx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/77aa72/32.png) [@LisaRx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LisaRx)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2001, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drug-and-vitamin-interaction-question/66462/3 "2001-05-26T04:25:08Z")
In a nutshell, minerals (mg, ca, fe, mn, etc) bind to the drug and make it ineffective. If both are present in your GI tract at the same time, the antibiotic will not be absorbed properly. You will not get the maximum effect of the drug. Also, it is also possible for this drug to make you more sensitive to sunlight than you would ordinarily be. Wear your sunscreen this weekend! ---
**Author:** ![Mephisto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/48db29/32.png) [@Mephisto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mephisto)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2001, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drug-and-vitamin-interaction-question/66462/4 "2001-05-26T06:28:59Z")
Thanks to both of you! Who needs the doctor’s phone number when you’ve got the SDMB address. I’m feeling much better, BTW. Have a great weekend. 😃