Ferrous Sulfate and Folic Acid Tablets
Ferrous Sulfate and Folic Acid Tablets IP, Ferrous sulphate and folic acid tablets ip are used for treating iron deficiency anaemia. They also contain folic acid and minerals that are needed for the production of healthy red blood cells.
They have been shown to be effective in treating iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) during pregnancy. This is because they can be taken easily and safely.[1]
What should I avoid while taking ferrous sulfate?
Ferrous sulfate is used in the treatment of anemia. It is also added to foods to increase the amount of iron that is available in the diet.
Because this medication can reduce the amount of other medications that are absorbed, you should avoid taking it if you are also using certain drugs. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what other drugs you are taking.
The most common drugs that can interfere with the absorption of this medication are cimetidine, fluoroquinolones, oral contraceptives, and sulfa drugs. If you take any of these drugs, you should only take this medicine on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after a meal.
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor before taking this medication. It can interfere with the development of your baby.[2]
There are several studies that have evaluated the effects of supplementation with iron and folic acid on anemic pregnant women. These studies have shown that this combination can be effective in preventing anemia during pregnancy.
In addition, folic acid may improve the iron content of breast milk, reducing the risk of anemia in your baby. This benefit is particularly important in low-income countries where access to iron is limited. Therefore, all postpartum patients at risk of gestational anemia (regardless of breastfeeding status) should receive oral folic acid and iron in the 6 to 12 weeks following delivery to reduce the risk of anemia (WHO 2016c).
Ferrous sulfate side effects
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) during pregnancy and postpartum is associated with adverse effects on the baby, which may influence breastfeeding. The World Health Organization recommends supplemental iron and folic acid during pregnancy and 6 weeks postpartum to reduce the risk of anemia.
Patients with IDA should be given oral ferrous sulfate (equivalent to 60 mg elemental iron) once or twice daily for 3 months and 6 weeks postpartum to replenish their endogenous iron stores. Pregnant women should also receive folic acid (400 mcg) during pregnancy to prevent birth defects.[3]
A randomized, open-label, multicenter trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of iron versus Venofer in patients with NDD-CKD (hemoglobin 11.0 g/dL, transferrin saturation 25%, and ferritin 300 ng/mL). Patients with NDD-CKD were randomly assigned to receive either oral iron 325 mg three times daily for 56 days or Venofer 200 mg over 2 to 5 minutes, administered 5 times within 14 days.
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Ferrous sulfate dosing information
Ferrous sulphate and folic acid tablets ip are used to treat iron deficiency anemia (IDA). These tablets contain 65 mg of elemental iron in each tablet. They are not absorbed into the bloodstream quickly, so they should be taken on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after a meal.
Pregnant women with IDA should supplement their diets with 60 to 120 mg of elemental iron per day. The most commonly used iron salts for this purpose include ferrous sulfate 20%, exsiccated ferrous sulfate 30%, and ferrous fumarate 33%.
Increasing the dose of ferrous sulfate was found to increase hemoglobin levels in patients with IDA. However, adherence to this regimen was poor in the trial.
A randomized, multicenter study compared oral iron (325 mg ferrous sulfate 3 times daily for 56 days) with Venofer in patients with NDD-CKD with hemoglobin 11.0 g/dL, transferrin saturation 25%, and serum iron 300 ng/mL. The study was stopped early due to low response rate and adverse events.[4]
There are many drugs that can interact with ferrous sulfate, which can lead to negative effects. For example, it can reduce the effectiveness of levothyroxine. Other drugs that can affect the absorption of ferrous sulfate include certain antibiotics, blood thinners, and antifungals. It is important to discuss all of your medications with your doctor. The FDA has developed a drug interaction database to help you find out if your medicines may interact with each other.
What other drugs will affect ferrous sulfate?
Food and certain medications can decrease the absorption and blood levels of ferrous sulfate. This may make it less effective in treating your condition. If you are taking ferrous sulfate along with other drugs, talk to your doctor about how to safely use both drugs.
Ferrous sulfate syrups and elixirs do not appear to interact with enteral feedings (liquid nutritional supplement beverages such as Boost, Ensure, Jevity, and others). However, if you take an iron product and take any liquid nutrition beverage down your tube at the same time, there is a small chance that the two substances may interact. To avoid this, you should take the elixir at least 1 hour before and 1 hour after taking any enteral nutrition beverage down your tube.
Ferrous Sulfate and Folic Acid Tablets IP
Ferrous sulphate and folic acid tablets ip contain iron that helps restore the body’s iron deficiency. They are also enriched with vitamin C and folic acid to help the body absorb the iron. The tablets should be taken once a day, at least after a meal. They should not be taken with antacids or dairy products.[5]
What is ferrous sulfate?
Ferrous sulfate is an iron compound that has been used to fortify fluid milk. It has a low gastrointestinal toxicity and is suitable for infant feeding. However, it is not absorbed as well in adults.
Several studies have evaluated the effectiveness of different oral iron preparations for treating iron deficiency anemia. These studies suggest that the formulation of the oral iron tablet may influence its therapeutic efficacy in correcting iron deficiency anemia.
In a survey of family physicians, internists, surgeons and obstetrician-gynecologists in an urban Canadian community, most physicians (74 percent) specified a single generic oral iron preparation as their drug of choice for treatment of anemia. Enteric-coated/slow-release tablets were the most commonly dispensed preparation.
These findings are concerning, because enteric-coated/slow-release iron tablets can alter the release of the active ingredient, resulting in lower absorption of iron. Moreover, because iron absorption is enhanced when it is given on an empty stomach, it is important to avoid taking iron orally more than once per day.
A study comparing the absorption of iron from citric acid stabilized fish sauce fortified with ferrous sulfate, ferric ammonium citrate and ferrous lactate in adult women found that the amount of iron absorbed was lower from ferrous sulfate fortified fish sauce than from the other compounds. The study also found that a dose of 3 g/l of citric acid significantly improved the absorption of ferrous sulfate fortified food.[6]
A randomized controlled trial compared the effects of oral ferrous sulfate and iron polysaccharide complex (IPC) on iron-deficiency anemia in children 9-48 months old with hemoglobin 10 g/dL, mean corpuscular volume 70 fL, and reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent 25 pg. Those randomized to ferrous sulfate showed greater increases in hemoglobin concentration than those randomized to IPC.
Warnings
A hefty dose of this medicine can cause side effects such as stomach discomfort, constipation and headache. Some people may also experience an allergic reaction to the ingredient zinc. In such cases, your doctor might prescribe a different medication. If your pharmacist has recommended this medication, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
It is also a good idea to get the right dosage for your body weight and health condition. The most important thing to remember is that this medicine should only be taken as prescribed. It is also not recommended for children below the age of 12 years. In fact, iron supplements should be avoided altogether in children under this age group. Taking this medication in large doses for a long time can be harmful and may result in low iron levels in your body.[7]
Before taking this medicine
Ferrous sulphate and folic acid tablets ip is used to treat patients who suffer from Iron deficiency anemia (IDA). This medicine contains vitamin C in a form of ascorbate along with the mineral iron to restore the body’s stores of the metal. The ascorbate helps the iron in the tablet to be absorbed into the bloodstream. The other ingredients are folic acid and zinc that also assist in the process.
The main pharmacological effect of the medicine is that it increases red blood cell count by increasing the amount of iron in the body. The medicine can be taken orally by mouth. It should be taken on an empty stomach. The recommended dose is one 325-mg tablet per day in the morning. Dosages above this may have a negative impact on absorption and should not be used in conjunction with other supplements.
This product is also available in the form of a capsule. It is usually used as an oral supplement. The capsule contains the same ingredients as the tablets but in a smaller dose.
It is advisable to take this medicine on an empty stomach to maximize the iron absorption. This is especially true if you have a heavy meal or are taking any other iron supplements. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking any antacids within 2 hours of taking this medicine to minimize side effects.
This product is a big hit with users as it is safe, effective and easy to take. However, it does carry some minor side effects which are nothing to worry about but if they do bother you then it is better to seek medical help.[8]
How should I take ferrous sulfate?
Ferrous sulphate and folic acid tablets ip (tablets) are used to treat iron deficiency anemia and to prevent and treat anaemia in pregnant women. Take one tablet daily, before food or as directed by your doctor. Folic acid helps your body produce and maintain new cells, and also helps prevent changes to your DNA that can lead to cancer.
Taking this medicine with an antibiotic may make it harder for your body to absorb it. Avoid using an antibiotic medicine within 2 hours before or after you take this medication. If you need to take an antibiotic, ask your doctor if a different drug might be better for you.
To reduce the chance of side effects, take this medication at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. It’s also important to drink a lot of water while taking this medicine.
This medicine is only part of a complete treatment program that includes a special diet. Follow the diet plan that your doctor recommends to get enough of this medicine and other iron-containing foods.
You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to iron or folic acid. You should also not take this medicine if you are breast-feeding a baby.[9]
The most common side effects of ferrous sulfate and folic acid include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or upset stomach. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away.
A small study found that iron absorption in women with iron deficiency anemia was improved when a dose of ferrous sulfate was given on an alternate day compared to the same amount given on consecutive days. This is because the body absorbs more iron when there are at least 24 hours between iron doses compared to when there are only 24 hours between consecutive days of dosing.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Iron deficiency anemia is a common condition that affects many people. It can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath. It may also result in an increased risk of heart disease. A medicine called ferrous sulphate and folic acid tablets ip can treat this condition. It is taken by mouth and is usually effective for treating anemia.
It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach. It should be taken at regular intervals and not within 4 hours of taking any other medicine. If you miss a dose of this medicine, it is important to take the next dose as soon as possible. It is also important to take this medicine at the same time each day. It is also important to avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
An experiment in 19 women with iron deficiency anemia found that giving the same dose of ferrous sulfate on alternate days led to greater absorption than given on a single day. However, the study was limited by its short duration and the use of a placebo.[10]
