Chloramphenicol Injection and Iron: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Chloramphenicol Injection
Iron
No brand names on record
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
Decreased iron effectiveness
Interaction Deep Dive
The response to iron salts may be blunted or delayed with concurrent use of chloramphenicol. Chloramphenicol is known to interfere with maturation of red blood cells in many patients1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Antagonism
Common questions
Can I take Chloramphenicol Injection and Iron together?
Decreased iron effectiveness Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Chloramphenicol Injection and Iron interaction?
It is rated minor. Usually limited clinical impact.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "delayed". Effects tend to build up gradually over days to weeks.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
From our Q&A
Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Chloramphenicol Injection or Iron need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there anything you'd monitor while I'm on both?
References (1)
- Scott JL, Finegold SM, Belkin GA, et al: A controlled double-blind study of the hematologic toxicity of chloramphenicol. N Engl J Med 1965; 272:1137. PubMed
Keep reading about Chloramphenicol Injection
Keep reading about Iron
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