From the databaseWhat the row says.
Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, and the recommendation.
Pair type
Timing Sensitive
Scope
Supplement × Prescription
Last verified
June 4, 2026
Timing SensitiveEmerging evidence
What is happening. Oral iron salts are polyvalent cations known to chelate many antibiotics in the gut. Iron can plausibly bind fosfomycin and reduce its absorption, potentially lowering the urinary antibiotic concentration needed for the single-dose treatment of an uncomplicated UTI.
Mechanism. Polyvalent cation (iron) chelation forms an insoluble fosfomycin-iron complex in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing oral bioavailability.
Recommendation. Separate oral iron supplements from the single fosfomycin dose. Since fosfomycin is taken once, take the antibiotic alone and resume iron the following day or several hours apart.
Stack Score
How it moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Fosfomycin 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.
SourcesSources, by evidence tier.
Every claim on this page is cited. PMIDs link straight to PubMed.
Reference material
1- 1Patel SS, Balfour JA, Bryson HM. Fosfomycin tromethamine: pharmacokinetic properties and effect of divalent and polyvalent cations on oral absorption. Drugs. 1997.Needs sourceNo link