Drug interactions
Levofloxacin + Polysaccharide iron
Severity: Moderate
Levofloxacin and Polysaccharide iron: 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 polysaccharide iron can bind levofloxacin in the gut and reduce its absorption, which may result in subtherapeutic antibiotic levels. The effect is smaller than with some other iron salts but is still relevant.
What this interaction means in plain words
Levofloxacin and Polysaccharide iron 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
Take levofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after the iron product.
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 Levofloxacin with Polysaccharide iron?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Levofloxacin and Polysaccharide iron 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 polysaccharide iron can bind levofloxacin in the gut and reduce its absorption, which may result in subtherapeutic antibiotic levels. The effect is smaller than with some other iron salts but is still relevant.
How serious is the interaction between Levofloxacin and Polysaccharide iron?
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 the iron product.
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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