Drug Interaction Report

Iron and zinc may reduce each other's absorption when they are coadministered orally. The mechanism of interaction is unknown. In clinical studies, concurrent supplementation with iron and zinc was associated with reduced efficacy in improving the growth and iron and zinc status of malnourished infants compared to supplementation with either one alone. It is not known whether the interaction occurs in adults. In any case, the clinical significance is probably minimal in healthy individuals. However, monitoring for reduced therapeutic response may be advisable in malnourished patients. Limited data suggest that the magnitude of the interaction may be lessened by separating the times of administration of each by 12 hours.