Iron sulfate

Iron sulfate

What is ferrous sulfate?

Ferrous sulfate is an essential body mineral.

Ferrous sulfate is used to treat iron deficiency anemia (a lack of red blood cells caused by too little iron in the body).

Warnings

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take ferrous sulfate if you have iron overload syndrome, hemolytic anemia (lack of red blood cells), porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system). Thalassemia (a genetic disorder of red blood cells) if you are an alcoholic or receive regular blood transfusions.

Get emergency medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this medicine or if someone accidentally swallows it. An overdose of iron can be fatal, especially in young children.

Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, shallow breathing, weak and rapid pulse, pale skin, blue lips, and seizures.

Take ferrous sulfate on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Avoid taking antacids or antibiotics within 2 hours before or after taking ferrous sulfate.

Ferrous sulfate is just one part of a comprehensive treatment program that may also include a special diet. It is very important that you follow the diet plan designed for you by your doctor or nutritionist. You should familiarize yourself with the list of foods you should eat to ensure you are getting enough iron from both your diet and your medications.

Before you take this medicine

Ask a doctor or pharmacist whether it is safe to use ferrous sulfate if you have ever had:

• iron overload syndrome;

• a red blood cell disorder such as thalassemia; or

• a condition for which you receive regular blood transfusions.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a doctor before using this medicine.

Do not give ferrous sulfate to a child without medical advice.

How should I take ferrous sulfate?

Use ferrous sulfate exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your doctor.

Take on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Measure liquid medication carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided or a medication dosing device (not a kitchen spoon).

Swallow thattabletStore whole and do not crush, chew or break.

You may need to follow a special diet. Follow all instructions from your doctor or nutritionist. Learn about the foods you should eat or avoid.

Store at room temperature, protected from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Get medical help immediately if a child accidentally swallows a tablet.An overdose of iron can be fatal to a young child.

Symptoms of overdose may include severe vomiting, coughing up blood, bloody diarrhea, less urination, thirst, dry skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, or fainting.

What should I avoid when taking ferrous sulfate?

Avoid taking other iron supplements. Do not take any vitamin or mineral supplements without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Side effects of ferrous sulfate

If necessary, get emergency medical helpSigns of an allergic reaction to ferrous sulfate:hives; difficulty breathing; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• severe stomach pain or vomiting;

• cough with bloody mucus or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• Fever; or

• bloody or tarry stools.

Common side effects of ferrous sulfate may include:

• diarrhea, constipation;

• nausea, stomach pain;

• green colored stools; or

• Loss of appetite.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Ferrous sulfate dosage information

Usual adult dosage for iron deficiency anemia:

Initial dose: 600 mg/day ferrous sulfate (120 mg/day elemental iron) for 3 months
-Administer in multiple doses (1 to 3 times daily)

Usual adult dose for anemia associated with chronic kidney failure:

Initial dose: 1000 mg/day ferrous sulfate (200 mg/day elemental iron) orally in multiple doses (1 to 3 times daily)

Comments:
-If goals are not met with oral iron after 1 to 3 months, consider intravenous iron supplementation.
-Smaller daily doses may be better tolerated.

Usual adult dosage for vitamin/mineral supplementation:

Initial dose: 1 tablet orally once daily

or

Initial dose: 30 to 90 mg/day ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) (6 to 18 mg/day elemental iron) orally, in multiple doses (1 to 3 times daily)

51 years and older: 25 to 40 mg/day FeSO4 (5 to 8 mg/day elemental) orally, in multiple doses (1 to 3 times daily)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Iron Deficiency Anemia:

0 to 5 years: 15 to 30 mg/kg/day ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) (3 to 6 mg/kg/day elemental iron)
5 to 12 years: 300 mg FeSO4 (60 mg/day elemental)
12-18 years, male: Take two 300 mg FeSO4 tablets (60 mg elemental) orally daily
12-18 years female: 300 to 600 mg/day FeSO4 (60 to 120 mg/day elemental)
-Administer in multiple doses (1 to 3 times daily)

Usual Pediatric Vitamin/Mineral Supplement Dose:

Premature infant (less than 37 weeks of gestation), 0 to 12 months: 10 mg/kg/day ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) (2 mg/kg/day elemental iron)
0 to 6 months: 1 to 1.35 mg/day FeSO4 (0.2 to 0.27 mg/day elemental)
7 to 12 months: 35 to 55 mg/day FeSO4 (7 to 11 mg/day elemental)
1 to 3 years: 20 to 45 mg/day FeSO4 (4 to 9 mg/day elemental)
4 to 8 years: 20 to 50 mg/day FeSO4 (4 to 10 mg/day elemental)
9 to 13 years: 30 to 40 mg/day FeSO4 (6 to 8 mg/day elemental)
14 to 18 years: 40 to 75 mg/day FeSO4 (8 to 15 mg/day elemental)
-Administer in multiple doses (1 to 3 times daily)

or

Tablets (325 mg FeSO4, 65 mg elemental iron)
12 years and older: 1 tablet orally once daily

What other drugs affect ferrous sulfate?

Take your ferrous sulfate dose 2 to 6 hours before or after taking any of the following:

• an antacid;

• an antibiotic; or

• a laxative.

This list is not complete. Other medications can interact with ferrous sulfate, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

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More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use ferrous sulfate only for the prescribed indication.