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What teaching point is important regarding the simultaneous use of antibiotics and antacids?

a. Administer both medications together for enhanced effectiveness.
b. Take antacids 30 minutes before antibiotics.
c. Space antibiotics and antacids by at least 2 hours.
d. Combine antibiotics and antacids in the same dosage form for convenience.

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

The simultaneous use of antibiotics and antacids requires spacing the administration times apart by at least 2 hours to prevent reduced efficacy of antibiotics due to the increased stomach pH caused by antacids.

Step-by-step explanation:

The teaching point that is important regarding the simultaneous use of antibiotics and antacids is that they should not be administered together because antacids can impact the absorption of antibiotics, decreasing their efficacy. Specifically, the correct answer to the question would be option C - Space antibiotics and antacids by at least 2 hours. This allows the antibiotic to be absorbed properly without the pH change caused by the antacid hindering its absorption in the stomach.

Antacids have a neutralizing effect on stomach acid, which can raise gastric pH levels and potentially alter the absorption and effectiveness of certain antibiotics such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, and tetracycline. These drugs are absorbed more effectively from an acidic environment which is disrupted by antacids. The delayed administration helps maintain the antibacterial efficacy of the drugs for better treatment outcomes.

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