FERROUS SULFATE

Description: Ferrous sulfate facilitates O2 transport through haemoglobin and is used as a source of iron.

Uses

  • An iron supplement used in the managment and prevention of low blood levels of iron such as in anemia and pregnancy

 

How to use ferrous sulfate

  • Always refer to your doctors instructions before taking this medication. Duration and dosage will be determined by your medical condition and its response to the medication. Make sure to take this mediciation in the prescribed amount and time period even after symptoms disappear. Discontinuing the medication before completion of treatment may cause incomplete treatment of condition. If Symptoms persist, consult your doctor
  • Taken by mouth; on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or one our after meals; usually once a day or as directed by your physician; Do not lie down for 10 minutes after taking the medication; Avoid taking antacids, dairy products, tea, or coffee within 2 hours before or after this medication because they will decrease its effectiveness.
  • Swallow extended-release capsules and delayed-release/enteric coated tablets or capsules whole as they may release the drug in higher doses which may cause adverse effects
  • For chewable tablets, chew the medication thoroughly, then swallow.
  • For liquid suspension forms of this medication, shake the bottle well before each dose. Use a special measuring device/spoon for every dosage and not household spoon to avoid incorrect dose. Mix the dose in a glass of water or juice, and drink the mixture through a straw to prevent staining the teeth.
  • If you are giving the liquid drops to an infant or child, use the dropper provided to carefully measure the dose. The dose may be placed directly into the mouth (towards the back of the tongue) or it may be mixed in formula (not milk), fruit juice, cereal, or other food as directed to increase your child’s acceptance. It is best to give this medication right after a meal. Follow the directions on the product package for the brand that you use.

Side Effects

  • Iron may cause your stools to turn black, an effect that is not harmful.
  • Minor side effects (if these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor)
    • Constipation, diarrhea, stomach cramps, or upset stomach 
  • Severe allergic reactions are rare. Get immediate medical help if you notice the following:
    • Rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing

Precautions

Precautions

  • Inform your doctor
    • Allergy to the medication or any allergies
    • Medical History of iron overload disorder (e.g., hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis), use/abuse of alcohol, liver problems, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., ulcer, colitis).
  • If your iron supplement also contains folic acid, inform your doctor if you have vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia) before taking it. Folic acid may falsely improve certain laboratory tests for vitamin B12 deficiencywithout actually treating this anemia. Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency may result in serious nerve problems (e.g., peripheral neuropathy symptoms such as numbness/pain/tingling sensations)
  • Chewable tablets of this medicine may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor about using this drug safely.
  • Liquid preparations of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.
  • Should only be used when there is a clear need during pregnancy. If you are planning to be pregnant or think you may be pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of use with your doctor.
  • Consult your doctor before breast-feeding as this medication passes into breast milk

 

Interactions

Taking multiple drugs may affect how medications work and/or cause unwanted side effects. List down all the medications you are taking and inform your physician and pharmacist. Do not take, discontinue, or alter any dose of medications without prior approval of your physician.

  • Products that may interact with this medication include:
    • certain antibiotics (e.g.,penicillamine, chloramphenicol, quinolones such as ciprofloxacin/norfloxacin), bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate), levodopa, methyldopa, thyroid replacement drugs (e.g., levothyroxine).
    • Avoid taking this medication at the same time as antacids or tetracycline antibiotics. At least 2 hours must pass before taking this medication and an antacid or tetracycline.
    • If your brand of iron also contains folic acid, be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take certain anti-seizure drugs (e.g., hydantoins such as phenytoin).
  • Labratory tests that may be affected:
    • Fecal occult blood test

Overdose & Brands

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

  • Symptoms of overdose may include
    • stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and as soon as you remember, take a regular dose or if the time of the next dose is near, wait for it before taking another dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not increase the dose to compensate for the missed dose.


Storage

  • Room temperature
  • Do not expose to light and moisture
  • Do not store in the bathroom
  • Keep all medications away from pets and children

 

Brands

Available Brands

  • Anemifer     
  • Beefer Plus     
  • Brisofer    
  • Feosol     
  • Ferglobin     
  • Ferosal     
  • Hemovit     
  • Rhea Ferrous Sulfate
  • Sorbifer Durules
  • United Home Fersulfate Iron

Other Known Brands

  • Fer-In-Sol    

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