SUCRALFATE SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES CIPROFLOXACIN CONCENTRATIONS IN SERUM

The effect of sucralfate on the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin was evaluated in eight healthy subjects utilizing a randomized, crossover design. The area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 12 h was reduced from 8.8 to 1.1 μg·h/ml by sucralfate (P < 0.005). Similarly, the maximum concentration of ciprofloxacin in serum was reduced from 2.0 to 0.2 μg/ml (P < 0.005). We conclude that concurrent ingestion of sucralfate significantly reduces the concentrations in serum produced by a 500-mg dose of ciprofloxacin. On the basis of these findings, ciprofloxacin and sucralfate should not be administered concurrently.