Why do I need this medicine?
Ferrous Sulphate is an iron supplement.
It is used to treat a blood disorder known as iron-deficiency anaemia, in which the body does not produce enough red blood cells due to a lack of iron.
How do I take this medicine?
Take Ferrous Sulphate exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take more or less than instructed.
Ferrous Sulphate is best taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. You may take it with or immediately after food to reduce certain side effects that it may cause, such as stomach discomfort, nausea or vomiting.
Ferrous Sulphate is available in different oral formulations such as regular tablets, slow-release or extended-release tablets, enteric-coated tablets, oral liquid and suspension.
If you have been given the slow-release, extended-release or enteric-coated tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush or cut these types of tablets.
If you have been given the oral liquid or suspension, use the dropper, measuring spoon or cup provided to measure out your dose.
Ferrous Sulphate should not be taken within 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking antacids, tea, coffee, milk or whole grains as this may reduce its absorption.
When should I not use this medicine?
Do not take Ferrous Sulphate if you are in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Alert your doctor if you:
- are receiving regular blood transfusions
- are receiving transfusion of iron
- suffer from excessive iron in the blood
What should I take note of while using this medicine?
Inform your doctor if you have any of these conditions or any other illnesses:
- ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the small intestines) or other bowel problems
- stomach ulcers
- other types of anaemia
- other blood disorders
- unable to digest sugars such as lactose or galactose
Ferrous Sulphate is generally not meant for children. Do not give Ferrous Sulphate to a child unless specifically instructed to do so by the child's doctor.
What side effects could I experience?
Common side effects of Ferrous Sulphate include stomach discomfort, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and dark-coloured (black or brown) stools. If you are taking Ferrous Sulphate for a longer period of time, you may also develop constipation. These side effects are normal and not a cause for worry.
Alert your doctor if these side effects become severe or refuse to go away.
Can I take this with other medicines?
Alert your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin or norfloxacin
- zinc supplements
- penicillamine (medicine for rheumatoid arthritis)
- levodopa or entacapone (Parkinson's disease medicines)
- ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
- cholestyramine (cholesterol medicine)
- methyldopa (high blood pressure medicine)
- bone building medicines such as alendronate, risedronate
If you are taking antacids, do not take them at the same time as you take Ferrous Sulphate. Take the antacids 1 hour before or 2 hour after Ferrous Sulphate.
Always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Are there any restrictions on the type of food I can take?
Ferrous Sulphate should not be taken within 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking tea, coffee, milk or whole grains.
How should I store this medicine?
Store in a cool, dry place.
Keep Ferrous Sulphate out of reach and sight of children. Overdose in children may be dangerous.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for your reference only and it is not to be relied upon on its own as instructions for use of this medication. It is not a replacement for and should only be used in conjunction with full consultation with a licensed healthcare professional, the information provided by your pharmacist and the manufacturer of the medication. It may not contain all the available information you require and cannot substitute professional medical care, nor does it take into account all individual circumstances.
Other than liability for death or personal injury arising out of our negligence, we shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise.