ferrous fumarate at a glance
Medicine class
Oral iron replacement.
Available forms
Tablets, capsules and oral liquid.
Food
Absorption is generally better without food, but food may reduce stomach upset.
Stool colour
Darker stools are expected; blood or tar-like stools with illness need assessment.
Child safety
Keep securely out of children's reach because accidental overdose can be fatal.
What is ferrous fumarate used for?
Ferrous fumarate is licensed for iron-deficiency states.
Treatment of iron deficiency anaemia.
Prevention of iron deficiency or iron deficiency anaemia where an oral iron product is appropriate.
How does ferrous fumarate work?
Ferrous fumarate releases ferrous iron in the digestive tract. Absorbed iron is transported to stores and bone marrow, where it is used to make haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.
ferrous fumarate preparations and strengths
Syrup
Route: Oral
Strengths: 140 mg/5 mL
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 210 mg, 322 mg
How to take ferrous fumarate
Follow the label, leaflet or prescriber's directions for your product.
Swallow oral forms with water. The 210 mg tablets may also be crushed or chewed; check before altering another product.
Measure liquid with the supplied oral syringe or medicine spoon, not a kitchen teaspoon.
Taking it without food may improve absorption. If it causes stomach upset, food may help.
Avoid taking it at the same time as tea, milk or eggs because these can reduce iron absorption.
Rinse your mouth with water after liquid ferrous fumarate to reduce tooth staining.
ferrous fumarate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- Abdominal pain or heartburn
- Darker stools
- Tooth staining with liquid preparations
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including swelling or breathing difficulty
- Possible gastrointestinal bleeding, such as blood in the stool or black, tar-like stool with feeling unwell
- Toxicity following accidental or excessive ingestion
ferrous fumarate in pregnancy
Ferrous fumarate can be used during pregnancy when clinically indicated. A doctor or midwife should confirm that iron is needed. Galfer information calls for particular benefit–risk assessment during the first trimester, and folic acid may also be required.
ferrous fumarate while breastfeeding
Ferrous fumarate can generally be used during breastfeeding when clinically indicated. Maternal treatment does not replace direct assessment and treatment if the baby has low iron.
ferrous fumarate interactions
Iron can bind to medicines or minerals in the gut and reduce absorption. Ask a pharmacist how to separate interacting products.
Tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics
Absorption of the antibiotic, iron or both may be reduced.
Levothyroxine
Iron can reduce levothyroxine absorption, so they should not be taken together.
Common questions about ferrous fumarate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can ferrous fumarate make stools black?
Yes. Darker stools are expected. Seek assessment for blood, tar-like stools or dark stools accompanied by feeling unwell.
Can ferrous fumarate be taken with food?
Yes. Food may reduce stomach upset, although it can also reduce iron absorption.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.