Drug interactions
Iron dextran complex + Levofloxacin
Severity: Moderate
Iron dextran complex 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 iron preparations bind levofloxacin in the gut and reduce its absorption, which may lead to subtherapeutic antibiotic levels. Parenteral iron dextran does not cause this chelation interaction.
What this interaction means in plain words
Iron dextran complex 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.
Why it happens
Chelation of levofloxacin by iron in the gastrointestinal tract reduces absorption.
What to do
If an oral iron product is used, give levofloxacin at least 2 hours before or after it. No separation is needed for intravenous or intramuscular iron dextran.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Iron dextran complex with Levofloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Iron dextran complex 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 iron preparations bind levofloxacin in the gut and reduce its absorption, which may lead to subtherapeutic antibiotic levels. Parenteral iron dextran does not cause this chelation interaction.
How serious is the interaction between Iron dextran complex 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: If an oral iron product is used, give levofloxacin at least 2 hours before or after it. No separation is needed for intravenous or intramuscular iron dextran.
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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