Home / News / Ferrous sulfate: 7 things you should know

Ferrous sulfate: 7 things you should know

Views: 0     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2022-12-07      Origin: Site

1.How it works

Ferrous sulfate is an iron salt commonly used as an iron supplement.Iron supplements are used to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia.In iron deficiency anemia,iron deficiency reduces hemoglobin production. Hemoglobin allows red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body and is what gives red blood cells their color.Utilizes only the iron content of the iron salt; therefore,iron supplements will usually state the amount of iron salt (for example,325 mg ferrous sulfate) and the equivalent amount of elemental iron (for 325 mg ferrous sulfate, this is equivalent to 65 mg elemental iron).Ferrous sulfate is a mineral that belongs to the iron supplement class of drugs.

2.Advantage Ferrous sulfate Tablet-vitaminshealthfood

Ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement that can be used to reverse or prevent anemia and replenish iron stores.Can be used to meet dietary needs.For off-label use in the treatment of restless legs syndrome. Although only 10-15% of ferrous sulfate is absorbed,this rate is comparable to ferrous gluconate and ferrous fumarate.All iron salts had a similar incidence of gastrointestinal side effects.Ferrous sulfate is usually very cheap.Available in capsule, tablet and liquid form.Immediate-release formulations are the first choice for iron deficiency anemia because enteric-coated or sustained-release formulations are poorly absorbed.Provide common ferrous sulfate

3.Shortcoming

Side effects that you are more likely to experience if you are between the ages of 18 and 60,do not take other medicines,or have another medical condition include:Abdominal discomfort,black or black stools,constipation,diarrhea,heartburn,nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects.The risk of side effects increases with dose.The optimal duration of iron supplementation is unknown;however,most experts recommend continuing iron supplementation for three months after normalization of hemoglobin to replenish iron stores.Accidental ingestion of iron supplements,such as ferrous sulfate,is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6 years of age.All persons taking iron supplements are advised to keep them out of the reach of children and in case of accidental ingestion contact a Poison Control Center immediately.There are few studies on the safety and effectiveness of iron supplements,including ferrous sulfate.However,a special committee on substances generally recognized as safe (GRAS) concluded that there was no reason to suspect that iron supplements would pose a hazard to the public when used as they are now used in current practice.The low absorption rate of ferrous sulfate and other iron salts means that it may need to be taken three times a day to reverse iron deficiency.Enteric coated formulations may not be as well absorbed as liquid formulations.Iron supplements may not be suitable for people with a history of ulcers, colitis,or bowel disease.People with porphyria,thalassemia,hemolytic anemia,those who drink excessive alcohol,or pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking iron supplements.Liquid ferrous sulfate may cause tooth discoloration.Should not be given to people who receive frequent blood transfusions.Avoid in premature infants before replenishing vitamin E stores (deficiency at birth).Ferrous sulfate tablets are not recommended for children under 12 years of age.May interact with many other medications,including some antibiotics,antacids,and other supplements,especially those containing calcium,phosphorus, or zinc.Maternal iron requirements increase during pregnancy,and untreated iron deficiency may be associated with adverse fetal events such as low birth weight,preterm birth,or increased perinatal mortality.

4.The bottom line

Ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement that may be used to prevent or treat iron deficiency anemia.Gastrointestinal side effects are common.

1. Patient Reminders.

2.Print save.

Ferrous Sulfate: 7 Things

  • How it works.

  • Benefit.

  • Shortcoming.

  • Bottom line.

  • Hint.

  • Responsiveness/effectiveness.

  • Interactive.

1.How it works

Ferrous sulfate is an iron salt commonly used as an iron supplement.Iron supplements are used to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia.In iron deficiency anemia,iron deficiency reduces hemoglobin production.Hemoglobin allows red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body and gives red blood cells their color.Utilizes only the iron content of the iron salt; therefore,iron supplements will usually state the amount of iron salt (for example, 325 mg ferrous sulfate) and the equivalent amount of elemental iron (for 325 mg ferrous sulfate,this is equivalent to 65 mg elemental iron).Ferrous sulfate is a mineral that belongs to the iron supplement class of drugs

2.Advantage

Ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement that can be used to reverse or prevent anemia and replenish iron stores.Can be used to meet dietary needs.For off-label use in the treatment of restless legs syndrome.Although only 10-15% of ferrous sulfate is absorbed,this rate is comparable to ferrous gluconate and ferrous fumarate.All iron salts had a similar incidence of gastrointestinal side effects.Ferrous sulfate is usually very cheap.Available in capsule,tablet and liquid form.Immediate-release formulations are the first choice for iron deficiency anemia because enteric-coated or sustained-release formulations are poorly absorbed.Common ferrous sulfate available.

3.Disadvantages

Side effects that you are more likely to experience if you are between the ages of 18 and 60,do not take other medicines,or have another medical condition include:Abdominal discomfort,black or black stools,constipation,diarrhea,heartburn,nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects.The risk of side effects increases with dose.The optimal duration of iron supplementation is unknown;however,most experts recommend continuing iron supplementation for three months after normalization of hemoglobin to replenish iron stores.Accidental ingestion of iron supplements,such as ferrous sulfate,is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6 years of age.All persons taking iron supplements are advised to keep them out of the reach of children and in case of accidental ingestion contact a Poison Control Center immediately.There are few studies on the safety and effectiveness of iron supplements,including      ferrous sulfate.However,a special committee on substances generally recognized as safe (GRAS) concluded that there was no reason to suspect that iron supplements would pose a hazard to the public when used as they are now used in current practice.The low absorption rate of ferrous sulfate and other iron salts means that it may need to be taken three times a day to reverse iron deficiency.Enteric coated formulations may not be as well absorbed as liquid formulations.Iron supplements may not be suitable for people with a history of ulcers,colitis,or bowel disease.People with porphyria,thalassemia,hemolytic  anemia,those who drink excessive alcohol, or pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking iron supplements.Liquid ferrous sulfate may cause tooth discoloration.Should not be given to people who receive frequent blood transfusions.Avoid in premature infants before replenishing vitamin E stores (deficiency at birth).Ferrous sulfate tablets are not recommended for children under 12 years of age.May interact with many other medications, including some antibiotics, antacids,and other supplements,especially those containing calcium, phosphorus,or zinc.Maternal iron requirements increase during pregnancy,and untreated iron deficiency may be associated with adverse fetal events such as low birth weight, preterm birth,or increased perinatal mortality.In general,older adults or children,people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems,heart disease,diabetes,seizures),or people taking other medications are more likely to experience a wider range of side effects. See full list of side effects.

4.Bottom line

Ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement that may be used to prevent or treat iron  deficiency anemia.Gastrointestinal side effects are common.

5.Tips

Ferrous  sulfate is available in plain,coated,extended-release tablets and capsules,and as an oral solution.Swallow iron tablets and capsules whole;do not crush,open,or chew.The usual dose of ferrous sulfate for iron deficiency is three times a day,one hour before or two hours after meals.However,your doctor may recommend a lower dose if you are older or experience significant gastrointestinal side effects.Taking iron with meals impairs absorption by about 50%,and it is uncertain whether this will resolve any gastrointestinal side effects.Some iron products contain tartrazine.Tell your doctor if you are allergic to tartrazine.Even though your iron deficiency may resolve within a few weeks,take ferrous sulfate for the recommended duration to ensure your iron stores are replenished. Use the dropper provided with the ferrous sulfate drops to measure the correct dose.Put the drops directly in the mouth or mix with water or juice (do not use milk).Taking iron supplements with vitamin C may help increase absorption by up to 48%. Iron supplements, including ferrous sulfate,may interact with some medications,including some antibiotics,antacids,and other supplements.These medications need to be taken several hours apart to ensure adequate iron absorption.Discuss with your pharmacist how best to dispense your medicines.Ferrous sulfate should be taken with dietary changes to ensure that your diet contains adequate amounts of iron-rich seafood or vegetables, meat (especially red meat), and iron-fortified foods.Mixing liquid ferrous sulfate with water or fruit juice and sucking the mixture through a straw may help prevent tooth staining. Rubbing baking soda on your teeth once a week may help limit any staining that does occur.Keep iron supplements out of the reach of children because accidental iron overdoses by children are common and can be fatal.Do not take iron supplements for longer than 6 months unless advised to do so by your doctor. Do not take any other medicines,including those bought over the counter,without first checking with your doctor or pharmacist that they are compatible with ferrous sulfate, as it may prevent other medicines from being absorbed by the body.

6.Responsiveness and effectiveness

Expect hemoglobin levels to increase within three weeks of treatment.A 1 g/dL increase in hemoglobin after one month is considered an adequate response. However, experts recommend that treatment last for at least three months to replenish iron stores.

7.Interaction

Drugs that interact with ferrous sulfate may decrease its effect,affect how long it works,increase side effects, or be less effective when taken with ferrous sulfate.An interaction between two medicines doesn't always mean that you have to stop taking one of them;however, sometimes it does.Discuss with your doctor how to manage drug interactions.

Common drugs that may interact with ferrous sulfate include:

  • Lipoic acid.

  • Antacids, such as those containing aluminum,calcium,magnesium,or sodium bicarbonate.

  • Antibiotics,such as doxycycline,minocycline,and tetracycline.

  • Bisphosphonates such as alendronate,risedronate.

  • Cefdinir (may make stools red).

  • Chloramphenicol.

  • Cimetidine.

  • Dimercaptopropanol.

  • HIV medicines such as bictegravir, dolutegravir, emtricitabine, or tenofovir.

  • Levothyroxine.

Other iron-containing substances, such as iron dextran, iron sucrose, and iron carboxymaltose

  • Parkinson's disease medicines, such as levodopa or methyldopa.

  • Penicillamine.

  • Proton pump inhibitors such as esomeprazole, lansoprazole,or omeprazole.

  • Quinapril.

  • Quinolones such as ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, or ofloxacin.

  •  Vitamin E.