1. Take the Blood Disorders Quiz

What happens if I miss a dose ()?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose ()?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222, especially if a child has accidentally swallowed it. An overdose of ferrous sulfate can be fatal to a child.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, shallow breathing, weak and rapid pulse, pale skin, blue lips, and seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking ferrous sulfate ()?

Avoid taking any other multivitamin or mineral product within 2 hours before or after you take ferrous sulfate. Taking similar mineral products together at the same time can result in a mineral overdose or serious side effects.

Avoid taking an antibiotic medicine within 2 hours before or after you take ferrous sulfate. This is especially important if you are taking an antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Adoxa, Doryx, Oracea, Vibramycin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Solodyn, Vectrin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), or tetracycline (Brodspec, Panmycin, Sumycin, Tetracap).

Certain foods can also make it harder for your body to absorb ferrous sulfate. Avoid taking this medication within 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating fish, meat, liver, and whole grain or "fortified" breads or cereals.

Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the type of antacid your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb ferrous sulfate.

What other drugs will affect ferrous sulfate ()?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• acetohydroxamic acid (Lithostat);
• chloramphenicol;
• cimetidine (Tagamet);
• etidronate (Didronel);
• dimercaprol (an injection used to treat poisoning by arsenic, lead, or mercury);
• levodopa (Larodopa, Dopar, Sinemet);
• methyldopa (Aldomet); or
• penicillamine (Cuprimine).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with ferrous sulfate. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ferrous sulfate.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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