Drug interactions
Ferrous fumarate + Ofloxacin
Severity: Moderate
Ferrous fumarate 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 ferrous fumarate binds ofloxacin in the gut and reduces its absorption, which may lead to subtherapeutic antibiotic levels and treatment failure. This applies only when both are taken by mouth.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ferrous fumarate 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.
Ferrous fumarate belongs to Miscellaneous; Ofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Chelation of ofloxacin by ferrous iron in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing absorption.
What to do
Take ofloxacin at least 2 hours before or at least 2 hours after iron. Keep this spacing for the whole 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 Ferrous fumarate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ferrous fumarate with Ofloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ferrous fumarate 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 ferrous fumarate binds ofloxacin in the gut and reduces its absorption, which may lead to subtherapeutic antibiotic levels and treatment failure. This applies only when both are taken by mouth.
How serious is the interaction between Ferrous fumarate 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: Take ofloxacin at least 2 hours before or at least 2 hours after iron. Keep this spacing for the whole 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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