- What brand names are available for iron supplements-oral?
- Is iron supplements-oral available as a generic drug?
- Do I need a prescription for iron supplements-oral?
- What are the uses for iron supplements-oral?
- What are the side effects of iron supplements-oral?
- What is the dosage for iron supplements-oral?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with iron supplements-oral?
- Is iron supplements-oral safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about iron supplements-oral?
What brand names are available for iron supplements-oral?
Fer-In-Sol, Slow Fe, Feosol, Feratab and many more
What are the uses for iron supplements-oral?
Ferrous sulfate is used for the treatment and prevention of iron-deficiency anemias.
What are the side effects of iron supplements-oral?
The most common side effects associated with ferrous sulfate treatment are:
- constipation,
- dark stools,
- stomach pain,
- nausea, and
- vomiting.
Less common side effects include:
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What is the dosage for iron supplements-oral?
The recommended dietary reference intake (RDA) based on elemental iron is as follows:
- Individuals 19-50 years : Males 8 mg/day, Females 18 mg/day, Pregnant females 27 mg/day, Breastfeeding females 9 mg/day.
- Individuals = 50 years: 8 mg/day
For treatment of anemia, the recommended dose expressed as ferrous sulfate is 300 mg every 12 hours and may be increased to 300 mg every 6 hours (regular tablets) or 250 mg daily or every 12 hours (extended release tablets).
The dose for preventing iron deficiency anemia is 300 mg once daily of ferrous sulfate.
Which drugs or supplements interact with iron supplements-oral?
Antacids, H2-antagonists (for example, cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, or nizatidine), pancrelipase, and proton pump inhibitors (for example, omeprazole, lansoprazole, raberprazole, pantoprazole, or esomeprazole) may decrease the absorption of iron supplements.
Iron salts may decrease the blood concentration of bisphophonates (for example, aldendronate, etidronate, risedronate, or tiludronate), cefdinir (Omnicef), deferiprone (Ferripox), dolutegravir (Tivicay), eltrombopag (Promacta), levothyroxine (Synthroid), quinolone antibiotics (for example, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), and tetracycline antibiotics.
Is iron supplements-oral safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Ferrous sulfate crosses the placenta and is safe to use during pregnancy. All pregnant females should be screened for iron deficiency anemia and treated as necessary.
Iron is normally found in breast milk. Ferrous sulfate is secreted into breast milk.
What else should I know about iron supplements-oral?
What preparations of iron supplements-oral are available?
Elixir: 220 mg/5 ml; Solution 75 mg/ml; Syrup: 300 mg/5 ml; Tablets: 325 mg; Delayed release tablets: 324, 325 mg; Extended release tablets: 160, 142 mg.
How should I keep iron supplements-oral stored?
Iron Supplements should be stored at room temperature, 15 C-30 C (59 F-86 F).
Summary
Ferrous sulfate (Fer-In-Sol, Slow Fe, Feosol, Feratab) is a supplement used for the treatment of iron deficiency anemias. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, storage, and safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this supplement.
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Anemia
Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is, therefore, decreased. There are several types of anemia such as iron deficiency anemia (the most common type), sickle cell anemia, vitamin B12 anemia, pernicious anemia, and aplastic anemia. Symptoms of anemia may include
- fatigue,
- malaise,
- hair loss,
- palpitations,
- menstruation, and
- medications.
Treatment for anemia includes treating the underlying cause for the condition. Iron supplements, vitamin B12 injections, and certain medications may also be necessary.
Iron and Iron Deficiency
Iron is a mineral our bodies need. Iron deficiency is a condition resulting from not enough iron in the body. It is the most common nutritional deficiency and the leading cause in the US. Iron deficiency is caused due to increased iron deficiency from diseases, nutritional deficiency, or blood loss and the body's inability to intake or absorb iron. Children, teen girls, pregnant women, and babies are at most risk for developing iron deficiency. Symptoms of iron deficiency include feeling weak and tired, decreased work or school performance, slow social development, difficulty maintaining body temperature, decreased immune function, and an inflamed tongue. Blood tests can confirm an iron deficiency in an individual. Treatment depends on the cause of the deficiency. Proper diet that includes recommended daily allowances of iron may prevent some cases of iron deficiency.
