How should patients take quinolones concerning antacids and iron supplements?

Patients taking quinolones should take them two hours after antacids and iron supplements to ensure optimal absorption of the medication. Quinolones, which include drugs like ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, can form complexes with divalent and trivalent metal ions found in antacids and some supplements, such as iron. When these medications are taken together, the effectiveness of the quinolone antibiotic can be significantly reduced due to impaired absorption.

By waiting two hours after taking antacids or iron supplements, patients allow the quinolone to be absorbed more effectively in the gastrointestinal tract, enhancing the medication's efficacy in treating infections. This timing is critical for maintaining the proper therapeutic levels in the blood and ensuring that the antibiotic can work as intended.

The other options suggest taking quinolones with food, one hour before, or at any time, which may not provide the necessary separation to avoid interaction and reduce absorption issues related to the presence of antacids or iron.