Drug interactions
Calcium citrate + Ibandronate
Severity: Moderate
Calcium citrate and Ibandronate: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Oral calcium binds ibandronate in the gut and reduces its absorption, which may diminish its effect on bone.
What this interaction means in plain words
Calcium citrate and Ibandronate can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Chelation of ibandronate by calcium cations forms poorly absorbed complexes in the GI tract.
What to do
Take oral ibandronate with plain water after fasting and wait at least 60 minutes before calcium citrate.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Ibandronate
- Aluminum hydroxide + Ibandronate Moderate
- Calcium acetate + Ibandronate Moderate
- Calcium carbonate + Ibandronate Moderate
- Calcium chloride + Ibandronate Moderate
- Calcium gluconate + Ibandronate Moderate
- Calcium + Ibandronate Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Calcium citrate with Ibandronate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Calcium citrate and Ibandronate can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Oral calcium binds ibandronate in the gut and reduces its absorption, which may diminish its effect on bone.
How serious is the interaction between Calcium citrate and Ibandronate?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Take oral ibandronate with plain water after fasting and wait at least 60 minutes before calcium citrate.
What other medicines interact with Ibandronate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ibandronate with, for example, Aluminum hydroxide, Calcium acetate, Calcium carbonate. The full list is on the Ibandronate page.
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