From the Guidelines
Yes, you can take iron and Colace at night together, as they do not have significant interactions with each other. Iron supplements are taken to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia, while Colace is a stool softener that helps prevent constipation. Taking them together at night can be convenient and may help reduce some side effects, such as constipation, which is a common side effect of iron supplements 1.
Key Considerations
- For optimal iron absorption, it is recommended to take iron supplements either one hour before or two hours after meals and avoid taking them with milk, calcium supplements, antacids, or certain antibiotics 1.
- Taking iron with 80 mg of ascorbic acid on an empty stomach may improve iron absorption, as vitamin C helps form a chelate with iron and reduces ferric to ferrous iron 1.
- Tea and coffee should not be consumed within an hour after taking iron, as they are powerful inhibitors of iron absorption 1.
- If you experience stomach upset from iron, taking it with a small amount of food may help, but this may reduce iron absorption 1.
Recommendations
- Always follow the specific dosing instructions on your medication labels and consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any concerns about your specific health situation or if you're taking other medications.
- Consider taking iron supplements at bedtime, as this may help reduce side effects and improve tolerance, especially when taken with Colace to counteract constipation 1.
From the Research
Iron and Colace Interaction
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies regarding the interaction between iron and Colace (docusate) when taken together at night.
- However, the studies suggest that iron absorption can be affected by various factors, including the time of day, dietary components, and the type of iron supplement 2, 3, 4, 5.
Iron Absorption
- Iron absorption is generally higher when taken in the morning, away from meals and coffee, and with an ascorbic acid (AA)-rich food or beverage 2.
- Alternate-day dosing of oral iron supplements may be preferable to consecutive-day dosing, as it can increase fractional iron absorption (FIA) and reduce gastrointestinal side effects 3, 4, 5.
Colace and Iron
- Since there is no direct evidence on the interaction between Colace and iron, it is unclear whether taking them together at night would affect iron absorption or increase the risk of side effects.
- However, it is known that Colace is a stool softener that works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making it softer and easier to pass 6 is not relevant to this question.
Recommendations
- If you need to take iron and Colace, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized advice on the best timing and dosage to minimize potential interactions and side effects.