Drug interactions
Carbonyl iron + Sodium sulfate / ?magnesium sulfate / potassium chloride
Severity: Minor
Carbonyl iron and Sodium sulfate / ?magnesium sulfate / potassium chloride: 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
Iron taken near a sulfate-based bowel preparation may be poorly absorbed because magnesium binds iron and purgation shortens transit time. The effect is transient.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbonyl iron and Sodium sulfate / ?magnesium sulfate / potassium chloride have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Magnesium chelation and accelerated intestinal transit reduce iron absorption.
What to do
Take iron at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after each preparation dose. Resume routine dosing after bowel cleansing.
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 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 sulfate / ?magnesium sulfate / potassium chloride?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Carbonyl iron and Sodium sulfate / ?magnesium sulfate / potassium chloride have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Iron taken near a sulfate-based bowel preparation may be poorly absorbed because magnesium binds iron and purgation shortens transit time. The effect is transient.
How serious is the interaction between Carbonyl iron and Sodium sulfate / ?magnesium sulfate / potassium chloride?
MediHelp rates it minor, 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 or 6 hours after each preparation dose. Resume routine dosing after bowel cleansing.
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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