Ferrous Sulfate Iron Description

Generic Name : FERROUS SULFATE (IRON)

Pronunciation : (fer' us)

Trade Name(s) : Aglow FE Capsules, Anemidox, Astyfer, Autrin, Biofer, Blosyn, Café kit, Calpro ZE, Calron, Centofer-C, Cheri Capsules, DexorangePlus, Dumasules, Elferri-Z-Capsules, Facicap, Febex, Fecontin-F, Fecovit, Fefol-Z, Feroglobin, Ferrochelate-Z, Ferz, Fesozinc, Frend, Globac-Z, Glohem TR, HaemUP, Haematinga, Haemplus, HB Plus, HB rich syrup, Hemarange, Hematine, Hemfer, Heppforte, Ibecol, Imferon, Irex-TR, Ironic, Iross, JB tone, Jectofer CFL, Livogen Capsules, Mumfer, Newferiprosyrup, Pregnifer, Protoneliquid, Raricap, Raricap-ZN, Rubraplex, Softeron, Tofe, Toneferon, Trifer, Ultron-TR, Vitofol, Winfol, Zest AZ Capsules, Ziferrin-TR, Zincofer, Zinfe-SR

Why it is prescribed: Ferrous sulfate provides the iron needed by the body to produce red blood cells. It is used to treat or prevent iron-deficiency anemia, a condition that occurs when the body has too few red blood cells because of pregnancy, poor diet, excess bleeding, or other medical problems.

When it is to be taken:
1. Ferrous sulfate usually is taken three times a day between meals. Follow the instructions on the label carefully.
2. If you also are taking demeclocycline, doxycycline, methacycline, minocycline, oxytetracycline, or tetracycline, take it three hours after or two hours before taking ferrous sulfate.
3. Do not take antacids at the same time as ferrous sulfate; take them as far apart as possible.
4. Although symptoms of iron deficiency usually improve within a few days, you may have to take ferrous sulfate for six months if you have severe iron deficiency.

How it should be taken:
1. Ferrous sulfate comes in the form of regular, coated, and extended-release or long acting tablets; regular and extended-release capsules; and oral liquid like syrup, drops, and elixir.
2. The label tells you how much to take at each dose. This medication should be taken on a empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after eating.
3. You may obtain a specially marked measuring spoon to be sure of an accurate dose of the syrup or elixir.
4. Ferrous sulfate drops come with a special dropper for measuring the dose.
5. Do not crush or chew regular, coated, or extended-release tablets and do not open regular or extended-release capsules; swallow them whole.

Special Instruction :
1. Do not take ferrous sulfate more often or take more of it at each dose than as directed. Taking excessive amounts can be harmful.
2. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. You may have blood tests to evaluate your response to ferrous sulfate.
3. Fish, meat (especially liver), and fortified cereals and breads are good dietary sources of iron; emphasize them in a well-balanced diet.
4. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as your remember it. However, if you remember a missed dose at the time for your next dose, take only your regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Constipation. Drink extra fluids and eat a high-fiber diet including whole-grain cereals, salads, fruits, and vegetables. Contact your doctor if constipation is severe or persists.
2. Nausea, stomach pain. Take the medication after meals. These effects should disappear within a few days. IF they persist, contact your doctor.
3. Dark stools. This effect is harmless. Temporary staining of teeth from syrup. Mix each dose with water or fruit juice. You may clean your teeth once a week by rubbing them with a small amount of baking soda.

Other Precautions :
1. Because ferrous sulfate can cause false results in tests for blood in the stools, tell the doctor and laboratory personnel that you take ferrous sulfate.
2. Do not take ferrous sulfate without consulting a doctor if you have ulcers, colitis, or intestinal disease or if you are taking chloramphenicol or penicillamine.

Storage Conditions : Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature.