FERROUS SALT

Anti-anaemia mineral nutrient

Dosage Forms

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Tablet

Ferrous sulphate 200 mg (containing 60 mg iron)

Solution

25 mg of iron/ml (for children)

Uses

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  • Iron-deficiency anaemia

Dose and Duration

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All doses taken 1–2 divided doses for 4 months
Adult and child > 12 years: 2–3 tablets
Child 5–12 years: 2 tablets
Child 3–<5 years: 1.5 tablets
Child 4 months–3 years: 1 tablet
Child 2–<4 months: 0.5 tablets

Contraindications

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  • Accumulation of iron in body tissues and organs
  • Anaemias not caused by iron deficiency (e.g. sickle cell anaemia)
  • Patients receiving repeated blood transfusions

Side Effects

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  • Constipation, stomach upset
  • Makes stool black
  • Staining of teeth
  • Accumulation of iron in the body

Interactions

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  • Calcium (reduced absorption)
  • Zinc (reduced absorption)
  • Milk (reduced absorption)
  • Magnesium trisilicate compound (reduced absorption)
  • Ciprofloxacin (reduced ciprofloxacin absorption)
  • Doxycycline (reduced doxycycline absorption)

Patient Instructions

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  • Take with food to reduce side effects such as nausea and gastric irritation
  • Take 2 hours apart from milk, magnesium trisilicate compound, calcium, zinc, ciprofloxacin, and doxycycline

Pregnancy

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  • Can be used

Breastfeeding

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  • Can be used

⚠️ Caution

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  • Signs of overdose: Bloody diarrhoea and heart failure
  • Preferably use tablets containing both ferrous salts and folic acid