Ferrous Sulphate
TABLETS 200mg
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Do not pass this medicine on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
Index
- 1. What Ferrous Sulphate tablets are and what they are used for
- 2. Before you take
- 3. How to take
- 4. Possible side effects
- 5. How to store
- 6. Further information
What Ferrous Sulphate tablets are and what they are used for
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.
Before you take
Do not take Ferrous Sulphate tablets 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, obtained with or 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).
How to take
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.
If you take more than you should
If you (or someone else) swallow a lot of tablets at the same time, or you think a child may have swallowed any contact your nearest hospital casualty department or tell your doctor immediately.
Symptoms of an overdose include:
- Up to 24 hours: stomach and intestinal poisoning including being sick and diarrhoea, heart disorders such as low blood pressure (hypotension) and a racing heart (tachycardia), metabolic changes such as too much acid in the body (acidosis) and high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia), nervous system depression ranging from tiredness to coma, temporary relief of symptoms may occur.
- After 24 hours: stomach and intestinal poisoning and obstruction, shock, too much acid in the body (acidosis), fits, coma, liver failure, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), low blood sugar, problems with blood clotting, low production of urine, kidney failure, fluid in the lungs.
If you forget to take the tablets
Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you forget to take a dose take it as soon as you remember it and then take the next dose at the right time.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Ferrous Sulphate tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following effects, they get worse or if you notice any not listed.
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects:
- an allergic reaction e.g. itchy skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- constipation occasionally causing faecal impaction, diarrhoea, stomach pain, feeling sick and blackened stools.
How to store
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Store below 25°C in a dry place.
Do not use Ferrous Sulphate tablets after the expiry date stated on the label/carton/bottle. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
Further information
What Ferrous Sulphate tablets contain
- The active substance (the ingredient that makes the tablets work) is dried ferrous sulphate BP. Each tablet contains 200mg dried ferrous sulphate BP equivalent to 65mg ferrous iron.
- The other ingredients are spray dried liquid glucose, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose (101) (E460), lactose granules containing lactose, maize starch, pregelatinised maize starch, purified talc (E553), acacia (E414), gelatin, sucrose, titanium dioxide (E171), beeswax, yellow carnauba wax, polysorbate, sorbic acid (E200), shellac glaze, iron oxide black (E172) and propylene glycol (E1520).
What Ferrous Sulphate tablets look like and the contents of the pack
Ferrous Sulphate tablets are white, circular, biconvex, sugar-coated tablets.
Pack sizes are 30 and 60.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
This leaflet was last revised in February 2008
50140191
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