Drug interactions
Ferrous sulfate + Levofloxacin
Severity: Moderate
Ferrous sulfate and Levofloxacin: 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 sulfate binds levofloxacin in the gut and decreases its absorption, risking subtherapeutic antibiotic levels. This applies only to oral administration of both.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ferrous sulfate and Levofloxacin 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 sulfate belongs to Miscellaneous; Levofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Chelation of levofloxacin by ferrous iron in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing absorption.
What to do
Take levofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after iron. Keep the dosing schedule consistent.
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 Levofloxacin
- Dronedarone + Levofloxacin Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Levofloxacin Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Levofloxacin Major
Other interactions of Ferrous sulfate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ferrous sulfate with Levofloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ferrous sulfate and Levofloxacin 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 sulfate binds levofloxacin in the gut and decreases its absorption, risking subtherapeutic antibiotic levels. This applies only to oral administration of both.
How serious is the interaction between Ferrous sulfate and Levofloxacin?
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 levofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after iron. Keep the dosing schedule consistent.
What other medicines interact with Levofloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Levofloxacin with, for example, Dronedarone, Ibutilide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Levofloxacin page.
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