Ferrous Sulphate tablets belong to a group of medicines called iron supplements. These medicines work by replacing body iron. Iron is a mineral that the body needs to produce red blood cells. When the body does not get enough iron, it cannot produce the number of normal red blood cells needed to keep you in good health. This condition is called iron-deficiency anaemia. Ferrous Sulphate tablets are used for the prevention and treatment of iron-deficiency anaemia.
Do not take Ferrous Sulphate tablets and tell your doctor if you:
are allergic (hypersensitive) to dried ferrous sulphate or any of the other ingredients in Ferrous Sulphate tablets (see section 6).
are receiving repeated blood transfusions
are receiving iron intravenously
have a disorder in which there is excessive absorption and storage of iron such as haemochromatosis.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Ferrous Sulphate tablets if you have:
haemolytic anaemia
a blood disease (haemoglobinopathy)
an iron storage or absorption disease
gastrointestinal disease
Taking other medicines
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. Especially:
tetracyclines (to treat infections)
ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin (to treat infections)
colestyramine
antacids (containing magnesium or aluminium)
medicines containing zinc, calcium, phosphorus or trientine
methyldopa (to treat high blood pressure)
penicillamine (for rheumatoid arthritis)
levodopa (for Parkinson’s disease)
ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
Sugar intolerance
If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine, as it contains glucose, sucrose and lactose.
Ingredient warning
Ferrous Sulphate tablets contain sorbic acid (E200) which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis).
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3. How to take
Always take Ferrous Sulphate tablets exactly as your doctor has told you. If you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Food and drink
Ferrous Sulphate tablets should not be taken within one hour before or two hours after eating or drinking the following products: tea, coffee, milk, eggs and whole grains. These products can reduce the absorption of iron. Meat and products containing vitamin C can increase the absorption of iron. Follow the advice of your dietician or doctor when taking Ferrous Sulphate tablets with any of the food or drink listed.
Swallow the tablets whole with water. Although iron preparations are best absorbed on an empty stomach, they may be taken after food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
Doses:
Adults and the elderly
Treatment: 2-3 tablets a day in divided doses.
Prevention: 1 tablet a day.
Children 6-12 years
Treatment:
Children weighing over 22kg: one tablet a day.
Children weighing over 44kg: one tablet twice a day.
Children weighing over 66kg: one tablet three times a day.
Children under 6 years or weighing less than 22kg
Not recommended.
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