Drug interactions
Ferrous sulfate + Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid
Severity: Moderate
Ferrous sulfate 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
This bowel preparation forms magnesium citrate and causes rapid intestinal transit, and oral iron taken near it may be poorly absorbed. Binding to cations and a short gut contact time reduce iron uptake.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ferrous sulfate 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
Cation chelation in the gut together with accelerated transit decreases iron absorption.
What to do
Give iron at least 2 hours before and at least 6 hours after the bowel preparation. Iron is often held before colonoscopy per the procedure instructions.
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 Ferrous sulfate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ferrous sulfate with Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ferrous sulfate 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. This bowel preparation forms magnesium citrate and causes rapid intestinal transit, and oral iron taken near it may be poorly absorbed. Binding to cations and a short gut contact time reduce iron uptake.
How serious is the interaction between Ferrous sulfate 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: Give iron at least 2 hours before and at least 6 hours after the bowel preparation. Iron is often held before colonoscopy per the procedure instructions.
What other medicines interact with Ferrous sulfate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ferrous sulfate with, for example, Ciprofloxacin, Dimercaprol, Acetohydroxamic acid. The full list is on the Ferrous sulfate page.
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