Ferrous sulfate is used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anaemia (low red blood cell count caused by a lack of iron in your body). Iron is essential for the production of haemoglobin, a component of red blood cells that carry and provide oxygen to body tissues.
Take Ferrous sulfate exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. It may be taken together with food or immediately after a meal to help relieve stomach discomfort. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Ferrous sulfate is available as a conventional tablet, enteric-coated tablet, oral solution, and oral drops.
If you are taking the conventional or enteric-coated tablet, swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.
If you are taking the oral drops or oral solution, shake the bottle well before you take the medicine to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the dropper, measuring spoon, or cup provided to measure the prescribed dose.
Ferrous sulfate must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
It may be necessary for you to take this medicine for a long time, such as for a few months. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- haemochromatosis (an inherited disorder in which the body stores too much iron)
- haemolytic anaemia (a type of anaemia where red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them)
- peptic ulcer (open sores in the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or lower food pipe)
- ulcerative colitis (a disease that causes inflammation and sores in the linings of the rectum)
- Crohn's disease (a long-term inflammatory disease of the digestive tract that usually affects the small intestine and colon)
- receives repeated blood transfusions
as Ferrous sulfate may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Ferrous sulfate with intravenous iron and medicine used to treat acute poisoning of certain heavy metals (e.g. lead, mercury). Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- haemoglobinopathies (group of blood disorders that cause abnormal haemoglobin structure or lack of production)
- history of peptic ulcer (open sores in the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or lower food pipe)
- history of inflammatory bowel disease (group of diseases that cause long-term inflammation of the digestive tract)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Ferrous sulfate to a child or the elderly. Children or elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. stool test), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Ferrous sulfate may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain and discomfort, stomach wind, and dark stools.
This medicine may increase the risk of mouth ulceration and tooth discolouration. To prevent this, swallow the whole tablet with water, and do not suck, chew, or keep it in your mouth. If you have difficulty swallowing, please inform your doctor.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth, or eyes, stop taking this medicine and inform your doctor immediately. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Ferrous sulfate with the following medicines:
- intravenous iron
- dimercaprol (medicine used to treat acute poisoning of certain heavy metals [e.g. lead, mercury])
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain antibiotics e.g. ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, levofloxacin, chloramphenicol
- medicines for osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones) e.g. alendronic acid
- medicines for Parkinson's disease (a disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement, and impaired balance or walking) e.g. levodopa, entacapone
- mycophenolate mofetil (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
- penicillamine (medicine to treat rheumatoid arthritis)
- methyldopa (medicine for high blood pressure)
- ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ferrous sulfate.
Colestyramine (cholesterol-lowering medicine), trientine (medicine used to reduce the level of copper in the body), antacids (medicines that neutralise stomach acids) and supplements (with phosphates or oxalates) may reduce the effectiveness of this medicine when taken at the same time. If you are taking colestyramine, take Ferrous sulfate at least 1 hour before or 4-6 hours after your colestyramine dose. If you must take antacids and mineral supplements, take them between meals at least 2 hours after you have taken Ferrous sulfate.
Ferrous sulfate may reduce the absorption of levothyroxine (medicine for thyroid disease) and certain antibiotics such as doxycycline and tetracycline. If you are taking these medicines, take them at least 2 hours apart from taking Ferrous sulfate.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid taking Ferrous sulfate with food such as cereals, milk or other dairy products, soy products, eggs, spinach, tea, and coffee. These types of food may make it harder for your body to absorb this medicine. Take Ferrous sulfate at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after you have taken these types of food.
You may ask your doctor about the types of food you should avoid.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
