Ferrous Sulfate

The active ingredient in ferrous sulfate is elemental iron. Iron is a trace mineral and exists in two forms in the human body, ferrous iron and ferric iron. The body needs elemental iron to form hemoglobin, an essential part of the red blood cell that is responsible for carrying oxygen.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using ferrous sulfate. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of ferrous sulfate:

• This medication works best when taken on an empty stomach. Try to take it 30 minutes before eating or 2 hours after eating. Taking it with food may decrease the absorption.
• If you experience an upset stomach, you can try taking it with or after food.
• Avoid having tea, coffee, or dairy products containing calcium within 2 hours before or after taking ferrous sulfate. This is because it may decrease the amount of iron your body absorbs.
• Avoid taking antacids within 2 hours before or after taking ferrous sulfate.
• Your healthcare professional may recommend taking ferrous sulfate with vitamin C or orange juice to increase iron absorption.
• If your ferrous sulfate product is a tablet, swallow it whole and do not crush, chew, or break it. The oral iron tablet may be film-coated, slow-release, or extended-release. Some common brand names include Feosol, Fer-In-Sol, and Slow Fe.
• If your ferrous sulfate product is a liquid, measure the liquid using the dosing syringe provided. Do not use a kitchen spoon as it may be inaccurate.

The most common side effects of ferrous sulfate include:

• Abdominal pain
• Gastrointestinal irritation
• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Black stool

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using ferrous sulfate. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Taking too much ferrous sulfate can cause an iron overdose, so do not take more than what is recommended by your healthcare provider. Symptoms of an overdose include severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, seizures, and coughing up vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

These are not all of the possible side effects of ferrous sulfate. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting ferrous sulfate, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Blood cell disorders like thalassemia
• A medical condition for which you receive regular blood transfusions

Boxed Warning

Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or the Poison Control Center immediately. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

• If you have previously had an allergic reaction to ferrous sulfate.
• If you have iron overload syndrome (hemochromatosis)
• If you have hemolytic anemia

It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks for hemoglobin levels to increase, and you may start to feel better. However, it can take up to 4 months to work fully.

When ferrous sulfate is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Tetracycline antibiotics
• Quinolone antibiotics
• Antacids
• Bisphosphonates
• Thyroid medications like levothyroxine
• Levodopa

The available doses of ferrous sulfate tablets will depend on the pharmaceutical company that manufactures them. A common dose of ferrous sulfate is 325 mg tablets, which is equivalent to 60 mg of elemental iron. Liquid forms of ferrous sulfate also exist, and exact dosing should be provided by your healthcare provider. Other forms of iron supplements include ferrous gluconate.

For adults, the recommended daily allowance for iron is 8 mg/day for males 19 years and older and 18 mg/day for females ages 19 to 50 years old.

Do not exceed the tolerable upper intake level of 45 mg of iron daily unless advised by a healthcare provider.

Keep this product in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light, and out of the reach of children.

Multiple pharmaceutical companies manufacture ferrous sulfate.

Ferrous sulfate is the generic version.

You should take ferrous sulfate at the dose and length of time recommended by your healthcare provider. There is no need to taper off ferrous sulfate as it will not cause withdrawal symptoms.

Ferrous sulfate is likely safe in pregnancy when used orally and appropriately. Never take more ferrous sulfate than what is recommended by your healthcare provider. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Ferrous sulfate is likely safe in breastfeeding when used orally and appropriately. Never take more ferrous sulfate than what is recommended by your healthcare provider. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.