dried ferrous sulfate bp at a glance
Medicine class
Oral iron replacement
Licensed use
Iron-deficiency anaemia
Taking the tablet
Swallow whole with water; do not suck, chew or hold it in the mouth
Food
Absorption is best away from food, but food may improve stomach tolerance
Storage safety
Keep securely out of children's sight and reach because overdose can be fatal
What is dried ferrous sulfate bp used for?
This product is licensed for iron-deficiency anaemia.
Treatment of iron-deficiency anaemia.
How does dried ferrous sulfate bp work?
It provides ferrous iron, absorbed mainly from the small intestine. The body uses iron to replenish stores and make haemoglobin, enabling red blood cells to transport oxygen.
dried ferrous sulfate bp preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 200 mg
How to take dried ferrous sulfate bp
Follow the prescriber's instructions or packet directions.
Swallow the tablet whole with water.
Do not suck, chew or keep it in the mouth because this can cause mouth ulcers and tooth discolouration.
It is absorbed best away from food; taking it with or after food may help stomach upset.
Tea, coffee, milk, dairy products and eggs can reduce absorption, so avoid taking them together.
Ask a pharmacist to arrange suitable timing around other medicines.
Tell the prescriber if swallowing tablets is difficult because aspiration can seriously injure the airway.
dried ferrous sulfate bp side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort or heartburn
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Reduced appetite
- Darkened stools
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including mouth or throat swelling or breathing difficulty
- Black tar-like, red or bloody stools, particularly with illness or abdominal symptoms
- Mouth or upper gastrointestinal ulceration if a tablet is chewed, sucked or becomes lodged
- Airway injury after aspiration, potentially causing cough, coughing blood, airway narrowing or lung infection
dried ferrous sulfate bp in pregnancy
It can be used during pregnancy when blood tests show iron deficiency. Use during the first trimester should be supported by evidence of deficiency, so follow advice from a doctor or midwife. Constipation and haemorrhoids may worsen.
dried ferrous sulfate bp while breastfeeding
It can usually be taken while breastfeeding. Maternal supplementation is unlikely to affect the baby, but it will not treat iron deficiency in the baby; an affected infant needs separate assessment and treatment.
dried ferrous sulfate bp interactions
Oral iron can reduce the absorption of other medicines. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber to check timing, monitoring and whether an alternative is needed.
Tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics
Iron can reduce antibiotic absorption, and tetracyclines can also reduce iron absorption.
Levothyroxine
Ferrous sulfate reduces levothyroxine absorption, so they should not be taken together.
Antacids and calcium- or magnesium-containing products
These can reduce iron absorption.
Common questions about dried ferrous sulfate bp
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is it prescribed?
Mainly to replace iron in people with iron-deficiency anaemia, helping the body make haemoglobin and healthy red blood cells.
Can it make stools black?
Yes. Darker stools are common and usually harmless. Black tar-like stools, visible blood or feeling unwell need urgent assessment.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.