Drug interactions
Dimercaprol + Ferrous sulfate
Severity: Major
Dimercaprol and Ferrous sulfate: major 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
Dimercaprol forms toxic complexes with iron and is not recommended in iron poisoning. The resulting iron-dimercaprol complex can be harmful to the kidneys and is of no benefit for iron removal. Oral iron should not be given with dimercaprol during chelation therapy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dimercaprol and Ferrous sulfate can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Dimercaprol forms a chelate with iron that is toxic and may worsen toxicity rather than promoting safe elimination.
What to do
Do not use dimercaprol to treat iron overload or iron poisoning; use deferoxamine instead. Hold iron supplements while dimercaprol is being given.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Ferrous sulfate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dimercaprol with Ferrous sulfate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dimercaprol and Ferrous sulfate can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Dimercaprol forms toxic complexes with iron and is not recommended in iron poisoning. The resulting iron-dimercaprol complex can be harmful to the kidneys and is of no benefit for iron removal. Oral iron should not be given with dimercaprol during chelation therapy.
How serious is the interaction between Dimercaprol and Ferrous sulfate?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not use dimercaprol to treat iron overload or iron poisoning; use deferoxamine instead. Hold iron supplements while dimercaprol is being given.
What other medicines interact with Ferrous sulfate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ferrous sulfate with, for example, Ciprofloxacin, Acetohydroxamic acid, Aluminum hydroxide. The full list is on the Ferrous sulfate page.
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