The administration of ciprofloxacin tablets with milk could cause the inhibition of what pharmacokinetic process?

Ciprofloxacin is afluoroquinolone antibioticthat chelates (binds) withdivalent and trivalent cationssuch ascalciumfound in milk. This interaction forms aninsoluble complex, significantly reducing ciprofloxacin’s absorption in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, leading to decreased bioavailability and reduced therapeutic effect.

B. Distribution→ Incorrect; milk does not directly impact the distribution of ciprofloxacin in the bloodstream.

C. Metabolism→ Incorrect; ciprofloxacin is primarily metabolized in the liver, and milk does not inhibit its enzymatic breakdown.

D. Excretion→ Incorrect; ciprofloxacin is mainly excreted by the kidneys, and milk does not significantly impact this process.

Other Answer Choices Explained:Pharmacist’s Recommendation:Patients should take ciprofloxacinat least 2 hours before or 6 hours afterconsuming dairy products to avoid reduced drug absorption.

References:

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline (Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics)

Lexicomp Drug Interactions Database

FDA Ciprofloxacin Drug Label & Administration Guidelines

Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics