Ferrous sulfate
Also sold as: Feospan, Fer-In-Sol
No prescription neededVitamins and minerals
Comes as:TabletSyrupDrops
Usual adult dose
Usual adult dose for iron deficiency: one 200 mg tablet (about 65 mg iron) one to three times a day, as advised by your doctor. To prevent anaemia (for example in pregnancy) one tablet a day is usually enough. Children: dose by weight — ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- nausea
- stomach pain
- constipation or diarrhoea
- black stools
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- severe allergic reaction
- vomiting blood or severe stomach pain
- a child swallowing many tablets (emergency)
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Anaemia not caused by lack of iron (for example thalassaemia), unless a doctor advises
- Iron overload or repeated blood transfusions
- Active stomach ulcer or inflammatory bowel disease (use with caution)
- Keep out of reach of children — iron overdose is dangerous
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Moderate8 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Aluminium hydroxide + Magnesium hydroxide
Antacids reduce iron absorption; take them at least 2 hours apart.
- Ciprofloxacin