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 2 citation rows for the Cefpodoxime + 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

Cefpodoxime + Iron

Q: Can I take Cefpodoxime and Iron together?

Yes, if you separate them in time. Cefpodoxime and Iron have a documented timing-sensitive interaction. Oral iron supplements may reduce the absorption of cefpodoxime. Beyond simple chelation, cefpodoxime proxetil requires an acidic gastric environment for adequate dissolution and absorption, and concurrent intake with iron salts (which are themselves best taken on an empty/acidic stomach) raises the practical risk of reduced antibiotic exposure if dosing is not separated. Lower cefpodoxime serum levels can compromise treatment of respiratory and urinary infections.

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 supplements may reduce the absorption of cefpodoxime. Beyond simple chelation, cefpodoxime proxetil requires an acidic gastric environment for adequate dissolution and absorption, and concurrent intake with iron salts (which are themselves best taken on an empty/acidic stomach) raises the practical risk of reduced antibiotic exposure if dosing is not separated. Lower cefpodoxime serum levels can compromise treatment of respiratory and urinary infections.

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

Cefpodoxime 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 supplements may reduce the absorption of cefpodoxime. Beyond simple chelation, cefpodoxime proxetil requires an acidic gastric environment for adequate dissolution and absorption, and concurrent intake with iron salts (which are themselves best taken on an empty/acidic stomach) raises the practical risk of reduced antibiotic exposure if dosing is not separated. Lower cefpodoxime serum levels can compromise treatment of respiratory and urinary infections.

Mechanism. Polyvalent metal cations (Fe2+/Fe3+) can form poorly soluble chelates with beta-lactam antibiotics in the gut lumen, reducing the fraction available for absorption. Reduced bioavailability lowers peak and total drug exposure.

Recommendation. Separate doses to preserve antibiotic efficacy. Take cefpodoxime at least 2 hours before or after an iron supplement. Continue iron as prescribed but stagger the timing for the duration of the antibiotic course.

Timing

Timing & separation.

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

Minimum separation

120

Stack Score

How it moves the number.

Effect on the composite score

If both Cefpodoxime 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
2Neuvonen PJ. Interactions with the absorption of tetracyclines and other drugs by metal-containing preparations. Drugs. 1976.Needs sourceNo link

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