When should antacids be administered in relation to iron to minimize absorption interference?

• A. At the same time as Iron
• B. Two hours before Iron
• C. One hour after Iron
• D. Four hours after Iron

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that antacids can interfere with iron absorption because they raise stomach pH and can bind iron, making it harder for the body to absorb. To minimize this interaction, space their administration so iron isn’t present with the antacid in the stomach. The reliable approach is to take the antacid about two hours before iron (or two hours after iron) so that iron absorption isn’t hindered by the antacid. Taking them together would increase interference, and timings that are too close to iron (like one hour after) are still likely to reduce absorption, while four hours after is less consistently reliable than the two-hour separation.