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Taking ferrous sulfate with other medicines and herbal supplements - Brand name: Ironorm Drops

Cautions with other medicines

There are some medicines that may affect how ferrous sulfate works. Ferrous sulfate can also affect the way other medicines work.

It's a good idea to leave a gap between taking ferrous sulfate and any other medicine. Ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice on how long the gap should be.

Tell a pharmacist or doctor if you're taking any of these medicines before you start taking ferrous sulfate:

  • iron injections, or supplements containing iron, calcium, magnesium or zinc
  • antacids or other indigestion remedies
  • antibiotics such as oxytetracycline, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin or chloramphenicol
  • antivirals used for HIV infection such as bictegravir or dolutegravir
  • laxatives containing magnesium such as magnesium hydroxide or Milk of Magnesia
  • medicines used to treat or prevent osteoporosis (bisphosphonates), such as alendronic acid or risedronate
  • cholestyramine, a medicine used to reduce cholesterol and treat itching caused by liver disease
  • eltrombopag, a medicine used to increase platelets in the blood
  • levothyroxine, a medicine used to treat an underactive thyroid
  • levodopa, carbidopa or entacapone, medicines used to treat Parkinson's disease
  • mycophenolate, a medicine used after an organ transplant
  • methyldopa, a medicine used to treat high blood pressure
  • penicillamine, a medicine used to treat arthritis
  • trientine, a medicine used to treat Wilson's disease

Mixing ferrous sulfate with herbal remedies or supplements

Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before taking any herbal remedies or supplements together with ferrous sulfate. Some vitamin and mineral supplements may already contain ferrous sulfate or other types of iron.

Tell the pharmacist or doctor if you take any supplements or remedies that contain iron, calcium, magnesium or zinc. Ferrous sulfate can stop zinc working as well as it should. Calcium can reduce the effect of ferrous sulfate.

Important: Medicine safety

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Page last reviewed: 9 February 2023
Next review due: 9 February 2026