Drug interactions
Carbonyl iron + Ofloxacin
Severity: Moderate
Carbonyl iron and Ofloxacin: 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 iron binds ofloxacin in the gut, reducing its absorption and potentially leading to subtherapeutic antibiotic levels and treatment failure. This only applies when both are taken by mouth.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbonyl iron and Ofloxacin 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.
Carbonyl iron belongs to Miscellaneous; Ofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Chelation of ofloxacin by polyvalent iron cations in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing absorption.
What to do
Give ofloxacin at least 2 hours before or at least 2 hours after oral iron. Separate doses consistently throughout the course.
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 Ofloxacin
- Ofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Ofloxacin Major
- Amiodarone + Ofloxacin Major
- Amisulpride + Ofloxacin Major
- Anagrelide + Ofloxacin Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Ofloxacin Major
Other interactions of Carbonyl iron
- Aluminum hydroxide + Carbonyl iron Moderate
- Baloxavir marboxil + Carbonyl iron Moderate
- Calcium acetate + Carbonyl iron Moderate
- Calcium carbonate + Carbonyl iron Moderate
- Calcium + Carbonyl iron Moderate
- Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa + Carbonyl iron Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbonyl iron with Ofloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Carbonyl iron and Ofloxacin 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 iron binds ofloxacin in the gut, reducing its absorption and potentially leading to subtherapeutic antibiotic levels and treatment failure. This only applies when both are taken by mouth.
How serious is the interaction between Carbonyl iron and Ofloxacin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Give ofloxacin at least 2 hours before or at least 2 hours after oral iron. Separate doses consistently throughout the course.
What other medicines interact with Ofloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ofloxacin with, for example, Thioridazine, Adagrasib, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Ofloxacin page.
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