Drug interactions
Calcium gluconate + Iron
Severity: Minor
Calcium gluconate and Iron: minor 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 gluconate can reduce the absorption of oral iron when given together. The effect is modest but can matter in patients being treated for iron deficiency.
What this interaction means in plain words
Calcium gluconate and Iron have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Calcium gluconate belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Iron belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Calcium competes with iron for intestinal uptake.
What to do
Separate oral iron and calcium gluconate by at least 2 hours.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Iron
- Acetohydroxamic acid + Iron Moderate
- Aluminum hydroxide + Iron Moderate
- Baloxavir marboxil + Iron Moderate
- Calcium acetate + Iron Moderate
- Calcium carbonate + Iron Moderate
- Calcium citrate + Iron Moderate
Other interactions of Calcium gluconate
- Calcium gluconate + Ceftriaxone Contraindicated
- Calcium gluconate + Digoxin Major
- Alendronate + Calcium gluconate Moderate
- Amlodipine-atorvastatin + Calcium gluconate Moderate
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Calcium gluconate Moderate
- Amlodipine-olmesartan-hydrochlorothiazide + Calcium gluconate Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Calcium gluconate with Iron?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Calcium gluconate and Iron have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Oral calcium gluconate can reduce the absorption of oral iron when given together. The effect is modest but can matter in patients being treated for iron deficiency.
How serious is the interaction between Calcium gluconate and Iron?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Separate oral iron and calcium gluconate by at least 2 hours.
What other medicines interact with Iron?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Iron with, for example, Acetohydroxamic acid, Aluminum hydroxide, Baloxavir marboxil. The full list is on the Iron page.
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