What kind of interaction is it?

Timing-sensitive: the two substances can be taken on the same day but should be separated by a minimum time window.

Is this interaction backed by published research?

Yes. NutriStack lists 2 citation rows for the Calcium + Cefuroxime pair, each linking to PubMed by PMID where available. Full sourcing methodology at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/interactions.

Supplement × Prescription·timing-sensitive·Emerging evidence

Calcium + Cefuroxime

Q: Can I take Calcium and Cefuroxime together?

Yes, if you separate them in time. Calcium and Cefuroxime have a documented timing-sensitive interaction. Calcium-containing supplements and antacids can chelate cefuroxime and raise gastric pH. Because cefuroxime axetil relies on an acidic stomach environment for optimal dissolution and absorption, co-administration with calcium or calcium-containing antacids may reduce the antibiotic's absorption.

Q: How does this affect a NutriStack Stack Score?

-5 to your Stack Score per scored timing-sensitive row.

Timing Sensitive Emerging evidence

Calcium-containing supplements and antacids can chelate cefuroxime and raise gastric pH. Because cefuroxime axetil relies on an acidic stomach environment for optimal dissolution and absorption, co-administration with calcium or calcium-containing antacids may reduce the antibiotic's absorption.

Supplement × Prescription

Open the interaction checker → Read the methodology

From the database

What the row says.

Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, and the recommendation.

Substances

Calcium and Cefuroxime

Pair type

Timing Sensitive

Evidence

Emerging

Source citations

Scope

Supplement × Prescription

Last verified

June 4, 2026

Timing SensitiveEmerging evidence

What is happening. Calcium-containing supplements and antacids can chelate cefuroxime and raise gastric pH. Because cefuroxime axetil relies on an acidic stomach environment for optimal dissolution and absorption, co-administration with calcium or calcium-containing antacids may reduce the antibiotic's absorption.

Mechanism. Divalent calcium cation chelation and gastric pH elevation reducing dissolution and oral bioavailability of the cefuroxime axetil prodrug.

Recommendation. Take calcium supplements and calcium-containing antacids at least 2 hours apart from cefuroxime axetil. Continue taking the antibiotic with food per the prescription.

Timing

Timing & separation.

Space the doses apart by at least this window to avoid the conflict.

Minimum separation

120

Stack Score

How it moves the number.

Effect on the composite score

If both Calcium and Cefuroxime are in the same stack, this pair applies −5 to your Stack Score (per scored timing-sensitive row).

The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are at /methodology/stack-score.

Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Every claim on this page is cited. PMIDs link straight to PubMed.

Reference material

1Williams DM, et al. Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of cefuroxime axetil. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1990.Needs sourceNo link
2Sommers DK, et al. Influence of food and reduced gastric acidity on the bioavailability of cefuroxime axetil. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1984.Needs sourceNo link

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Open the interaction checker → Browse the research index