Iron Supplements

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
Iron supplement	Sangobion, Hemoplex, Floron, Maltofer	Adult, Children

Iron Supplements - What is it for

Iron supplements provide the body with the extra amounts of iron needed to produce red blood cells. It is used to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia, a condition that occurs when the body has fewer red blood cells than it needs because of a poor diet, excess bleeding, or as the result of other medical problems.
There are a few types of iron supplements available:
Sangobion
Floron
Ferbeaplex (Ferrous Sulphate Compound)
Ferrous Fumarate
Iron Polymaltose Drops (Maltofer®)

Iron Supplements - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Iron Supplements cause?

Upset stomach or vomiting. If these side effects occur, disregard the instructions to take the medication on an empty stomach and take it with meals or a snack.
Constipation. Drink extra fluids and add foods such as bran products and prunes to your diet. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about what you should eat to help avoid this problem.
Darkening of stools. This side effect is harmless.

Before taking Iron Supplements , what precautions must I follow?

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Iron Supplements ?

Do not take iron supplements (except for Floron and Maltofer®) together with milk and other calcium-rich foods or supplements, coffee and black tea as it may decrease the absorption of iron – it is best to separate them two hours apart.

Iron Supplements - Dosage and How to Use

How should Iron Supplements be used?

Iron supplements come in both tablet and liquid forms and is to be taken orally. Your doctor will choose the form that is best for you. The liquid forms are commonly used for children. It should be shaken well before each use. If you are giving drops to a child, the drops may be placed directly into the child’s mouth or mixed into water or fruit juice. Be sure to measure the drops carefully and give the child only the amount that the doctor tells you to give.

Continue taking it as long as your doctor instructs you to. The liquid form may change its colour over time, but this does not affect the strength of the drug, and you may continue to take it even if this change occurs.

Sangobion and Ferbeaplex are better absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, however, if stomach discomfort occurs. Take the medication after food
Floron and Iron Polymaltose Drops (Maltofer®) are better absorbed when taken with or after food.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If you remember a missed dose at the time of your next dose, omit the missed dose and take only your regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

What should I do if I overdose?

Iron Supplements - Handling and Storage

How should I handle Iron Supplements safely?

How should I store Iron Supplements ?

Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#Store at room temperature;#

How should I dispose of Iron Supplements safely?

Iron Supplements - Additional Information

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are currently taking or intend to start any other medicines, supplements or herbal products.

Certain medications, such as antacids, tetracycline (e.g. doxycycline) and fluoroquinolones (e.g. ciprofloxacin), may affect the way your body responds to iron supplements.

Updated on Tuesday, December 31, 2019

This article is contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth