Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

IRON SUPPLEMENTS - ORAL

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Femiron, Feosol, Fer-In-Sol

WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6 years of age. Keep this product out of reach of children. If an accidental overdose does occur, seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center.

Uses

Iron supplements are used to treat or prevent low blood levels of iron (e.g., for anemia or during pregnancy).

How To Use

This medication is best taken on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after meals, with a full glass (8 oz or 240 ml) of water . If iron upsets your stomach, take it with food or after meals, with a full glass of water. Sustained-release capsules and tablets must be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew them as side effects may be increased. Take tablets or capsules of iron with a full glass of water. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking the tablet or capsule. The liquid forms should be diluted in a glass of water or juice and sipped through a straw to prevent staining of the teeth. The suspension forms must be shaken well before each use; take them along with a full glass of water. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.

Side Effects

May cause stomach cramps, constipation, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. Iron can cause the stools to turn black in color. This is due to unabsorbed iron and is not harmful. Inform your doctor if you develop: severe stomach pains, chest pain, clammy skin, bluish-colored lips or fingernails. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Do not take ferrous sulfate (iron) without consulting a doctor if you have: ulcers, colitis, intestinal disease. Eggs and milk decrease iron absorption. Coffee and tea that is drunk with a meal or 1 hour after a meal may also decrease iron absorption. Accidental overdose of iron-containing products can be very dangerous, even fatal. Keep this medication out of the reach of children. If overdose occurs, call a doctor or poison control center immediately. This medication should be used during pregnancy or while breast-feeding only if recommended by your doctor.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: chloramphenicol, penicillamine, methyldopa, levodopa, cimetidine, quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin). Avoid taking iron at the same time as antacids or tetracycline antibiotics. Wait at least two hours between taking iron and an antacid or tetracycline. Because iron-containing products can cause false results with certain tests that check for blood in the stools, tell the doctor or laboratory personnel you take iron. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unconsciousness, paleness, weak-rapid heartbeat, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or green diarrhea/tarry stools.

Notes

Some iron products contain vitamin C which is believed to increase iron absorption. There are many iron supplement products available. Some can be purchased without a prescription. Consult your doctor or pharmacist on the choice of a product best for you. This medication is not a substitute to proper diet. It is important to maintain a well balanced diet. Foods rich in iron include beans, nuts, asparagus, oatmeal, red meat, dried peaches, and pork liver.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication. Keep out of the reach of children.