Ferroglobin

Indications

Ferrous Sulfate is an iron supplement taken by mouth. It is used to:

• Treat iron deficiency anaemia (low blood from lack of iron)
• Prevent iron deficiency in pregnancy, after blood loss, with heavy periods, or with poor diet

It is often combined with Folic Acid in one tablet or capsule, especially for pregnancy.

How It Works

It replaces iron in the body. Iron is needed to make haemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. As iron levels recover, tiredness, breathlessness and paleness from anaemia usually improve over a few weeks.

Dosage and Administration

Adults, treatment: usually one 200 mg tablet (about 65 mg of iron) once a day, increased to two or three times a day if the doctor advises. Prevention: one tablet a day. Modified-release and combination products have different strengths, so follow the label. Pregnancy and children: as prescribed.

Take on an empty stomach (1 hour before food) for best absorption, or with food if it upsets the stomach. Swallow tablets whole with water. Treatment usually continues for about 3 months after the blood count is normal, to refill iron stores.

Interactions

• Antacids, calcium supplements, Zinc, milk, tea, coffee and eggs reduce iron absorption; take them at least 2 hours apart.
• Iron reduces absorption of Doxycycline and other tetracyclines, Ciprofloxacin and other quinolones, Levothyroxine, Levodopa, Methyldopa, Penicillamine and bisphosphonates; separate doses by at least 2 hours (4 hours for Levothyroxine).
• Omeprazole and similar acid-reducing medicines can lower iron absorption with long use.
• Vitamin C (such as orange juice) can help absorption.

Contraindications

• Iron overload conditions such as haemochromatosis or haemosiderosis
• Anaemia not caused by iron deficiency (such as thalassaemia, unless the doctor advises iron)
• People receiving repeated blood transfusions
• Allergy to any ingredient of the product

Side Effects

Common: dark or black stools (harmless and expected), constipation, nausea, stomach pain or discomfort, heartburn and diarrhoea. Liquid iron can stain the teeth; drink it through a straw and brush teeth afterwards.

Get urgent medical help if you have:

• Black, sticky stools with stomach pain, or vomiting blood (possible bleeding, which is different from the normal dark stools)
• Severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, or difficulty swallowing with chest pain (a tablet may be stuck)
• Swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash

Pregnancy and Lactation

Iron is commonly recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding to prevent or treat iron deficiency. Take the dose your doctor advises.

Precautions and Warnings

• Have the cause of anaemia checked by a doctor before long-term use.
• Do not take more than one iron product at a time unless advised.
• Tell the doctor about stomach ulcers, bowel disease, or repeated blood transfusions.
• Older people should take tablets upright with plenty of water, to avoid irritation of the food pipe.
• Keep out of the reach of children: iron overdose is a common cause of poisoning in young children.

Overdose

Iron overdose is an emergency, especially in children, and can be fatal. Early signs are vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain; the person may then seem better before serious problems develop. Go to hospital at once, even if the person seems well, and take the pack with you.

Therapeutic Class

Iron preparation (haematinic).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.