HomeAnswersGeneral Medicineiron supplementI accidentally took an iron tablet 30 hours prior to colonoscopy. Did it alter my result?

Can an iron tablet that was taken 30 hours before my colonoscopy alter the results?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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iCliniq medical review team

Published At June 12, 2022
Reviewed AtSeptember 8, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I went for a colonoscopy about three weeks ago due to experiencing a change in bowel habits, constipation alternating with diarrhea as well as some pain in the stomach. The stool is mushy, very large, and yellowish. However, the colonoscopy was negative. I had been on iron tablets due to mild anemia due to heavy periods as it is perimenopause. I stopped taking these tablets four days before the procedure as per the doctor's instructions. However, I accidentally took one of the tablets two days before the procedure. Did this have affected the result? My consultant commented on the fact that my bowel preparation was good. I guess it would have been different if I had taken two tablets the day before and two on the day of the procedure, as my doctor had told me to go back on the iron tablets as my iron was still a bit low and on the second day my stool had turned slightly black, as my stool used to be when I was on iron tablets earlier. I also had taken some milk in my tea which I realize now I should not have done. I am worried if this would have affected the results.

I also had a CT scan done the week after that and there were no major signs detected. My consultant will discuss the result of the CT scan with me next week so there may be a few minor issues here.

I also have gallstones and a fatty liver so, I am not sure if these could be a contributory factor to the problem.

I have tried husk and various laxatives, which are not helping.

Answered by Dr. Vishal Patidar

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Sometimes iron tablets also can lead to black-colored stools.

  1. Since when are you experiencing these symptoms, diarrhea, and constipation?
  2. Any family history of similar complaints?
  3. Any co-morbidities like diabetes?
  4. Since when are you on iron tablets?
  5. Are you still experiencing constipation or stomach aches?
  6. Are the gallstones symptomatic?
  7. What is the fatty liver grade?

Let me know your current medicines and please attach the investigation reports.

Please let me know so I can help you further in prescribing medicines.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I think you have misunderstood my question. I have been having constipation and diarrhea for about 10 weeks. I was referred for a colonoscopy which was clear. I had been taking iron tablets due to mild amenia due to heavy perimenopausal periods. My question was that I stopped the iron tablets five days before a colonoscopy as per the doctor's advice. However, I accidentally took one of the tablets about 30 hours before the procedure (one day 1/2). I want to know would this have affected the results. The consultant who performed the procedure said that my bowel preparation was good. Does this indicate that everything is fine? I was too focused on getting my bowel preparation right. The general guidance in my country is that if stools are too dark and visibility is impaired they are to reschedule the operation. Would this one tablet have any effect on my result? I also had a CT scan done and therefore there were no major abnormalities. I am meeting the consultant next week as I want to discuss in more detail so there could be a few minor issues here. My stools are large, mushy, and yellowish. I do have gallstones and a fatty liver. Could there be a slow transit disease? IBS has been mentioned as there is a history of this in the family. I have taken IBS Immodium and I have not had a big bowel movement yesterday or today. Before this started I was under severe stress.

Answered by Dr. Vishal Patidar

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I do not think that taking an iron tablet would have affected your result of colonoscopy. If anything would have been abnormal, the performing surgeon would have told you, or if the taking of tablets would have impacted your bowel. And, as you say your CT (computed tomography) scan report is also normal.Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vishal Patidar
Dr. Vishal Patidar

General Medicine

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