Common use

Ferrous (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 and myoglobin. 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).

Dosage and direction

Use ferrous sulfate exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Take on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Precautions

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if ferrous sulfate is safe to use if you have ever had: iron overload syndrome; a red blood cell disorder such as thalassemia; or a condition for which you receive regular blood transfusions.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not give ferrous sulfate to a child without medical advice.

Contraindications

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take ferrous sulfate if you have iron overload syndrome, hemolytic anemia (a lack of red blood cells), porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system), thalassemia (a genetic disorder of red blood cells), if you are an alcoholic, or if you receive regular blood transfusions.
Avoid taking other iron supplements. Do not take any vitamin or mineral supplements without asking a doctor or pharmacist.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to ferrous sulfate: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have: severe stomach pain or vomiting; cough with bloody mucus or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; fever; or bloody or tarry stools.
Common ferrous sulfate side effects may include: diarrhea, constipation; nausea, stomach pain; green-colored stools; or loss of appetite.

Drug interaction

Take your ferrous sulfate dose 2 to 6 hours before or after taking any of the following: an antacid; an antibiotic; or a laxative.

Missed dose

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. Get emergency medical help if a child has accidentally swallowed a tablet. An overdose of iron can be fatal to a young child. Overdose symptoms may include severe vomiting, coughing up blood, bloody diarrhea, urinating less, thirst, dry skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, or fainting.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep away from children and pets.