Ferrous Sulphate

Ferrous Sulfate is indicated in the treatment and prevention of iron deficiency anaemia and anaemia of pregnancy where routine administration of iron is necessary.

Ferrous Sulphate has the general properties of iron salts and is one of the most widely used iron salts in the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia. Ferrous sulfate facilitates O2 transport via haemoglobin. It is used as iron source as it replaces iron found in haemoglobin, myoglobin and other enzymes.

• Iron Deficiency Anemia: Used for treatment and prevention of iron deficiency anemia.
• Anemia of Pregnancy: Used when routine administration of iron is necessary in pregnancy.

Oral Iron preparations

Iron Replacement

Ferrous Sulphate has the general properties of iron salts and is one of the most widely used iron salts in the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia. Ferrous sulfate facilitates O2 transport via haemoglobin. It is used as iron source as it replaces iron found in haemoglobin, myoglobin and other enzymes.

Ferrous Sulphate replaces iron found in hemoglobin, myoglobin and enzymes and allows transportation of oxygen via hemoglobin.

Adult Dose (Oral):

• Treatment: 400-600 mg/day in divided doses.
• Prevention: 200 mg/day.

Child Dose (Syrup):

• Under 1 year: 1/4 teaspoonful thrice daily.
• 1-5 years: 1 teaspoonful thrice daily.
• 6-12 years: 1.5 teaspoonful twice daily.

For maximum absorption take on empty stomach, but may take with meals to reduce GI discomfort. Liquid preparations mix with water or fruit juice to avoid staining teeth (do not mix with milk).

If you miss a dose of Ferrous Sulphate, take it as soon as possible; however, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.

Common Side Effects:

• GI irritation
• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dark stool and discoloration of urine
• Heartburn

Precautions:

• Avoid use in patients receiving repeated blood transfusions.
• Avoid administration for >6 months except in patients with continuous bleeding.
• Avoid concomitant oral and parenteral iron therapy.
• Caution in iron-storage or iron-absorption diseases (hemochromatosis), hemoglobinopathies; existing GI diseases (inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal strictures, diverticulae, peptic ulcer disease, enteritis or ulcerative colitis).
• Liquid preparations may stain teeth.

Contraindications:

• Patients receiving repeated blood transfusions
• Anemia not due to iron deficiency
• Hemochromatosis
• Hemolytic anemia

Drug Interactions:

• Antacids/H2 antagonists: May reduce absorption of iron.
• Chloramphenicol: May delay response to iron.
• Levodopa, Methyldopa, Penicillamine: May reduce absorption.
• Quinolones or Tetracyclines: May reduce absorption.
• Vitamin C: May increase iron absorption.

Food Interactions: Absorption decreased when taken with tea; caution with alcohol.

Use in Pregnancy: Pregnancy category: Not studied; pregnant women typically require increased iron.

Use in Lactation: Drug is excreted in breast milk; considered safe for breastfeeding.

Pediatric Use: Child dosage provided above.

Geriatric Use: Use with caution in elderly patients.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution in patients with kidney disease.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution in patients with liver disease.

Overdose: Iron overdosage is dangerous, especially in children; gastric lavage and desferrioxamine should be administered.

Storage: Keep below 30 degree C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Ferrous Sulphate