What is ferrous sulfate?
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 (HEEM o glo bin) and myoglobin (MY o glo bin). 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).
Ferrous sulfate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about ferrous sulfate?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medication 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 any other multivitamin or mineral product within 2 hours before or after you take ferrous sulfate. Taking similar mineral products together at the same time can result in a mineral overdose or serious side effects.
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine, or if anyone has accidentally swallowed it. An overdose of iron can be fatal, especially in a young child.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, shallow breathing, weak and rapid pulse, pale skin, blue lips, and seizure (convulsions).
Take ferrous sulfate on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Avoid taking antacids or antibiotics within 2 hours before or after taking ferrous sulfate.
Ferrous sulfate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you should eat to make sure you get enough iron from both your diet and your medication.
What should I discuss before taking ferrous sulfate?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medication 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.
It is not known whether this medication could be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether ferrous sulfate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give ferrous sulfate to a child without the advice of a doctor.