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.

Adult-

• Initial therapeutic dose: 3-4½ teaspoonful daily in divided doses or as prescribed by the physician.
• Maintenance dose: 1½ teaspoonful daily, but if needed up to 1.8g (9 teaspoonful) daily can be given.

Children-

• Under 1 year: ¼ th teaspoonful thrice daily or as directed by physician
• 1-5 years: 1 teaspoonful thrice daily
• 6-12 years: 1½ teaspoonful twice daily.

Should be taken on an empty stomach. Best taken on an empty stomach. May be taken with meals to reduce GI discomfort. Mix with water or fruit juice to avoid temporary staining of teeth. Do not mix with milk.

Absorption of iron salt and Tetracycline is diminished when taken concomitantly by mouth. If treatment with both drugs is required iron salt should be given 3 hours before or 2 hours after Tetracycline. Absorption of iron is also decreased in the presence of antacids or when taken with tea.

Iron therapy is contraindicated in haemachromatosis and haemosiderosis.It should not be given to patients receiving repeated blood transfusion or with anaemia not produced by iron deficiency.

GI irritation, abdominal pain and cramps, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, dark stool and discoloration of urine; heartburn.

Pregnancy Category- Not Classified. FDA has not yet classified the drug into a specified pregnancy category.

Should be administered with caution when given to patients with iron storage or iron absorption disease, haemoglobinopathies or existing gastrointestinal disease.

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea of green or tarry stools, haematemesis, seizures, drowsiness, metabolic acidosis, hepatic dysfunction, renal failure, coma.

Treatment: Empty stomach contents by gastric lavage. In severe toxicity, IV desferrioxamine may be given. Treatment is supportive. Haemodialysis is unlikely to be useful.

Oral Iron preparations