If you are currently being treated with any of the medications discussed
below, you should not use iron without first talking to your healthcare
provider. Iron may interfere with the absorption of many different medications. For
this reason, it is best to take iron supplements at least two hours before or
two hours after taking medications. This is particularly true for the
medications listed below. The following medications may reduce the absorption of iron: - Cholestyramine and Colestipol: These are two
cholesterol-lowering medications known as bile acid sequestrants.
- Medications used to treat ulcers or other stomach problems:
Examples of anti-ulcer medications include cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine,
and nizatidine. These medications belong to a class of drugs known as H2
receptor blockers. They change the pH in the stomach and subsequently alter the
absorption of iron. It is possible that this effect could occur with other
antiulcer medications including antacids and proton pump inhibitors (such as
omeprazole and lansoprazole).
Iron decreases the absorption of the following medications: - Tetracyclines: These are a class of antibiotics that include
doxycycline, minocycline, and tetracycline.
- Quinolones: These are a class of antibiotics that include
ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, and levofloxacin.
- ACE inhibitors: These are a class of medications used to treat
high blood pressure. Examples include captopril, enalapril, and lisinopril.
Iron may reduce the effectiveness or blood levels of the following
medications: - Carbidopa and Levodopa: Iron lowers blood levels of these
medications but it is unclear whether these changes lower the effectiveness of
the drugs.
- Levothyroxine: Iron may decrease the effectiveness of this
thyroid replacement hormone. A healthcare practitioner should monitor thyroid
function closely in those taking iron supplements with thyroid medications.
Iron levels may be increased by: - Birth control
medications
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Copyright © 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc
The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of
the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse
of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage
to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or
otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents
of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds
currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a
guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information
provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare
practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts)
regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications
before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed
herein.
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