What is the most important information I should know about ferrous sulfate?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you
have iron overload syndrome, hemolytic anemia (a lack of red blood cells), porphyria (an enzyme
disorder that causes blue discoloration of the skin), thalassemia (a genetic disorder of red blood
cells), if you are an alcoholic, or if you receive regular blood transfusions.
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine, or if anyone has accidentally swallowed it.
An overdose of iron can be fatal,
especially in a young child.
Overdose symptoms 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 seizure (convulsions).
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 only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a
special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or
nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you should eat to
make sure you get enough iron from both your diet and your medication.
What is ferrous sulfate?
Ferrous sulfate is a type of iron. You normally get iron from the foods you eat. In your
body, iron becomes a part of your hemoglobin (HEEM o glo bin) and myoglobin (MY o glo bin).
Hemoglobin carries oxygen through your blood to tissues and organs. Myoglobin helps your
muscle cells store oxygen.
Ferrous sulfate is used to treat iron deficiency anemia (a lack of red blood cells caused by
having too little iron in the body).
Ferrous sulfate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss before taking ferrous sulfate?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs or food dyes,
or if you have:
-
iron overload syndrome;
-
hemolytic anemia (a lack of red blood cells);
-
porphyria (an enzyme disorder that causes blue
discoloration of the skin);
-
thalassemia (a genetic disorder of red blood cells);
-
if you are an alcoholic; or
-
if you receive regular blood transfusions.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take ferrous sulfate.
It is not known whether this medication could be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether ferrous sulfate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
Do not give ferrous sulfate to a child without the advice of a doctor.
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