What kind of interaction is it?

Timing-sensitive: the two substances can be taken on the same day but should be separated by a minimum time window.

Is this interaction backed by published research?

Yes. NutriStack lists 1 citation row for the Cefixime + Iron pair, each linking to PubMed by PMID where available. Full sourcing methodology at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/interactions.

Supplement × Prescription·timing-sensitive·Moderate evidence

Cefixime + Iron

Q: Can I take Cefixime and Iron together?

Yes, if you separate them in time. Cefixime and Iron have a documented timing-sensitive interaction. Oral iron salts can reduce the absorption of cefixime by forming poorly soluble chelates in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially lowering antibiotic plasma concentrations and reducing efficacy against the target infection.

Q: How does this affect a NutriStack Stack Score?

-5 to your Stack Score per scored timing-sensitive row.

Timing Sensitive Moderate evidence

Oral iron salts can reduce the absorption of cefixime by forming poorly soluble chelates in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially lowering antibiotic plasma concentrations and reducing efficacy against the target infection.

Supplement × Prescription

Open the interaction checker → Read the methodology

From the database

What the row says.

Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, and the recommendation.

Substances

Cefixime and Iron

Pair type

Timing Sensitive

Evidence

Moderate

Source citations

Scope

Supplement × Prescription

Last verified

June 4, 2026

Timing SensitiveModerate evidence

What is happening. Oral iron salts can reduce the absorption of cefixime by forming poorly soluble chelates in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially lowering antibiotic plasma concentrations and reducing efficacy against the target infection.

Mechanism. Divalent and trivalent metal cations chelate beta-lactam antibiotics in the gut lumen, forming insoluble complexes that decrease drug dissolution and absorption.

Recommendation. Separate iron supplements from cefixime by at least 2 to 3 hours. Take cefixime first and the iron later, and complete the full antibiotic course as prescribed.

Timing

Timing & separation.

Space the doses apart by at least this window to avoid the conflict.

Minimum separation

180

Stack Score

How it moves the number.

Effect on the composite score

If both Cefixime and Iron are in the same stack, this pair applies −5 to your Stack Score (per scored timing-sensitive row).

The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are at /methodology/stack-score.

Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Every claim on this page is cited. PMIDs link straight to PubMed.

Reference material

1Campbell NR, Hasinoff BB. Iron supplements: a common cause of drug interactions. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1991.Needs sourceNo link

Check your full routine

One pair was the worked example.

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Open the interaction checker → Browse the research index