Ferric Sulfate: What is it? Uses, Administration, Interactions, Pregnancy and Precautions

In small quantities, the mineral is also necessary for the chemical functioning of many of the cells of the body.

It is any ionic substance formed from metallic iron and sulfuric acid.

This preparation contains the mineral, iron, which is necessary for the formation and function of red blood cells. It is these cells that transport oxygen through the bloodstream.

For what do you use it?

Iron should only be taken for very specific reasons and only under the direction of a doctor. These reasons are the following:

  • Iron deficiency anemia: Anemia means a low red blood cell count. An anemia may be due to lack of iron in the diet, loss of blood in the intestinal tract or excessive menstrual flow.
  • The pregnancy.

Except for these two reasons, do not take iron, even the small amount in a daily pill of vitamins and minerals, unless directed by a doctor.

Administration

Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. The best absorption occurs when taken on an empty stomach, but these products can be taken with meals to avoid upset stomach. Store in a tightly closed container. Protect this medication from excess moisture and heat.

Liquid forms should be diluted and sucked through a straw in the back of the mouth to prevent discoloration of the teeth. Keep all medications away from children. Never share your medications with anyone else.

What do I do in case of a forgotten dose?

If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your usual schedule.

Are there interactions with food or drinks?

Coffee, tea, eggs and milk can prevent the total absorption of iron. However, absorption increases vitamin C.

Fiber or bran can also reduce absorption, but they can be useful in correcting constipation or diarrhea that iron can cause. Do not take this medication at the same time as oral calcium supplements.

Are there interactions with other drugs?

An interaction usually means that one medication can increase or decrease the effect of another medication. In addition, the more medications a person takes, the more likely there is a drug interaction.

Interactions with this medication can occur with the following:

  • Antacids
  • Penicilamina (Cuprimine, Depen).
  • Levodopa (Dopar, Larodopa).
  • Methyldopa (Aldomet).
  • Quinolonic antibiotics (Cipro, Floxin).
  • Cimetidina (Tagamet).
  • Tetracycline antibiotic (Achromycin).

Sometimes, a simple adjustment, like amazing 2-hour doses, is enough to avoid problems, but always check with your doctor.

Is there a problem if I have another disorder or illness?

Sometimes a medication can have a different or improved effect when other diseases are present. At other times, the medication may worsen or affect another disease.

With this medicine, the following disorders can be a problem:

What about allergies?

People who have known allergies or asthma may be at greater risk of a reaction to any new medication.

The doctor should always know a patient’s allergy history. The signs of an allergic reaction are rash, hives and itching. Of course, a person should not take ferrous sulfate if there has been a previous reaction to this or a similar medication.

What happens if I am pregnant, considering pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Most women now know that, if possible, medications should not be taken, including alcohol, during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The potential danger, of course, is an injury to the baby. However, some drugs are much safer than others in this regard.

Then, the FDA has a rating system for each drug that reflects what is known medically. Classify drugs from A, where medical studies show no evidence of danger to the fetus or mother, for B, C, D and X, where medical evidence indicates that the risk to the fetus outweighs any benefit to the mother.

Ferrous sulfate is not classified. However, the pregnant female needs additional iron for her baby. The amount and frequency of iron supplements should be discussed with your doctor. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication during or during pregnancy.

What are the effects on sexual function?

There are no known adverse effects of ferrous sulfate on sexual function.

Are there other precautions?

Iron supplements will cause black stools that are harmless. They also have a tendency to cause constipation, diarrhea or abdominal discomfort.

Some of the dosage forms are designed to release ferrous sulfate in the intestine instead of the stomach. This can significantly reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal side effects.

How long is it safe to take ferrous sulfate?

The duration of oral iron therapy is usually determined by the success in discovering the underlying cause of the anemia.

Once the cause has been determined and treated, iron therapy takes approximately 4 to 6 months to reverse the anemia. The iron supplement must be suspended to prevent the accumulation of iron in the body. Long-term use should always be with the supervision of the doctor.

For ferrous sulfate, the following are the side effects observed:

Less:

  • Acidity.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation.
  • Diarrhea.

Mayor:

  • Stomach pain or cramps.
  • Stools with blood.

A comment from a doctor …

Oral iron therapy is generally effective in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. However, the cause of this type of anemia should always be known.

Bleeding peptic ulcers and colon cancer are two causes of this type of anemia. As indicated above, oral iron should not be taken when anemia is corrected and is not generally used to prevent such anemia. It is always essential to know and correct the underlying cause.

In addition, since the body can not get rid of iron and excessive amounts of iron are harmful to the body, the drug should not be taken long-term without doctor’s approval.

This means that you should not even take iron as part of a vitamin and mineral formula unless there is a specific reason to do so. Simply feeling tired or fatigued is not a good reason.