Ferrous Fumarate

Expert Advice

Dosage Forms Available

• Ferrous Fumarate is available in tablets, film-coated tablets, extended-release tablets and capsules, chewable tablets, oral liquid suspensions or syrups, and drops for oral administration.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Ferrous Fumarate is meant for use in both adults and children. Specific formulations such as drops are tailored for infants and young children, making it accessible across various age groups.

Contraindications

• This medicine is contraindicated in patients with hemochromatosis or hemosiderosis, conditions involving iron overload.

• It is also contraindicated in individuals with active gastrointestinal bleeding or any known hypersensitivity to its components.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Ferrous Fumarate may interact with antibiotics (eg., tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones), thyroid hormones (eg., levothyroxine), and medications used for Parkinson’s disease and hypertension (eg., levodopa and methyldopa), and medicines used for Wilson's disease and rheumatoid arthritis (eg., penicillamine).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of Ferrous Fumarate may lead to iron toxicity, which can manifest as severe gastrointestinal distress, metabolic acidosis, or even multi-organ failure. Immediate medical intervention is crucial.

• If you miss a dose of Ferrous Fumarate, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Avoid doubling the dose to catch up.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• To manage gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea or constipation, consider taking Ferrous Fumarate with food instead of on an empty stomach.

• Staying hydrated can help mitigate constipation issues.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Ferrous Fumarate does not directly affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, the symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia itself might cause fatigue or dizziness, impacting such activities.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Ferrous Fumarate is commonly prescribed during pregnancy due to increased iron requirements. It is considered safe during breastfeeding as well. However, it is always advised to consult your doctor before starting any new medication during pregnancy or lactation.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Caution should be exercised when using Ferrous Fumarate in individuals with existing gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease or peptic ulcers due to the risk of irritation and bleeding.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Consume a well-balanced diet rich in vitamin C to enhance iron absorption; fruits like oranges and strawberries are beneficial.

• Avoid consuming tea, coffee, dairy products, or antacids within two hours of taking Ferrous Fumarate as they can impair iron absorption.

• Engage in regular physical activity to improve overall health but monitor fatigue levels if you are anaemic.

• Consider cooking with cast iron cookware which can subtly boost dietary iron intake.

Frequently asked questions

Terms & Conditions