What is ferrous gluconate?
Ferrous gluconate 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 gluconate is used to treat iron deficiency anemia (a lack of red blood cells caused by having too little iron in the body).
Ferrous gluconate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about ferrous gluconate?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or 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), kidney or liver disease, if you are an alcoholic, or if you receive regular blood transfusions.
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 drowsiness, severe nausea or stomach pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, shallow breathing, weak and rapid pulse, cold or clammy skin, blue lips, and seizure (convulsions).
Take ferrous gluconate 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 gluconate .
Ferrous gluconate 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 with my healthcare provider before taking ferrous gluconate?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs or food dyes, or 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);
liver or kidney disease;
if you are an alcoholic; or
if you receive regular blood transfusions.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use ferrous gluconate, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.
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 this medicine 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 gluconate to a child without the advice of a doctor.