Drug interactions
Carbonyl iron + Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid
Severity: Moderate
Carbonyl iron and Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid: 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
The bowel preparation yields magnesium citrate, whose divalent cation can bind iron in the gut and reduce absorption. Rapid transit from the laxative effect further limits uptake.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbonyl iron and Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid 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
Magnesium and citrate chelate iron in the gastrointestinal tract and accelerated transit decreases absorption.
What to do
Take iron at least 2 hours before and at least 6 hours after the bowel preparation. Oral iron is often withheld before colonoscopy per local protocol.
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 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 Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Carbonyl iron and Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid 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. The bowel preparation yields magnesium citrate, whose divalent cation can bind iron in the gut and reduce absorption. Rapid transit from the laxative effect further limits uptake.
How serious is the interaction between Carbonyl iron and Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid?
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 iron at least 2 hours before and at least 6 hours after the bowel preparation. Oral iron is often withheld before colonoscopy per local protocol.
What other medicines interact with Carbonyl iron?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Carbonyl iron with, for example, Aluminum hydroxide, Baloxavir marboxil, Calcium acetate. The full list is on the Carbonyl iron page.
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