Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Ferrous Sulfate
Other Names: Iron Elixir (Ferrous Sulfate)
Drug Class: Iron
Rx Status: Available over-the-counter (OTC)
Generic Available: Yes
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Ferrous Sulfate Elixir? (Back to top)
IRON replaces iron that is essential to healthy red blood cells. Iron is used to treat iron deficiency anemia. Anemia may cause problems like tiredness, shortness of breath, or slowed growth in children. Only take iron if your doctor has told you to. Do not treat yourself with iron if you are feeling tired. Most healthy people get enough iron in their diets, particularly if they eat cereals, meat, poultry, and fish. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• frequently drink alcohol
• bowel disease
• hemolytic anemia
• iron overload (hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis)
• liver disease
• stomach ulcer or other stomach problems
• an unusual or allergic reaction to iron, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before use. Use a special dropper or spoon to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You may mix the solution in the glass of water or fruit juice and drink the liquid through a straw to decrease contact of the fluid with the teeth. You may take this medicine with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for even very young children and infants for selected conditions, precautions do apply. Never give iron to a child or infant unless directed by a doctor to do so. If you are giving the drops to an infant, you may mix the drops in a small amount of infant formula prior to bottle-feeding.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
If you are taking this iron product, you should not take iron in any other medicine or dietary supplement.
This medicine may also interact with the following:

• alendronate
• antacids
• cefdinir
• chloramphenicol
• cholestyramine
• deferoxamine
• dimercaprol
• etidronate
• medicines for stomach ulcers or other stomach problems
• pancreatic enzymes
• quinolone antibiotics (examples: Cipro, Floxin, Levaquin, Tequin and others)
• risedronate
• tetracycline antibiotics (examples: doxycycline, tetracycline, minocycline, and others)
• thyroid hormones

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• blue lips, nails, or palms
• dark colored stools (this may be due to the iron, but can indicate a more serious condition)
• drowsiness
• pain with or difficulty swallowing
• pale or clammy skin
• seizures
• stomach pain
• unusually weak or tired
• vomiting
• weak, fast, or irregular heartbeat

• constipation
• indigestion
• nausea or stomach upset

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Use iron supplements only as directed by your health care professional. You will need important blood work while you are taking this medicine. It may take 3 to 6 months of therapy to treat low iron levels. Pregnant women should follow the dose and length of iron treatment as directed by their doctors.

Do not use iron longer than prescribed, and do not take a higher dose than recommended. Long-term use may cause excess iron to build-up in the body.

Do not take iron with antacids. If you need to take an antacid, take it 2 hours after a dose of iron.

Liquid iron preparations can cause temporary staining of the teeth. Mix in water or juice and drink through a straw to prevent staining. Stains on adult teeth can be reduced or removed by brushing the teeth with baking soda. Check with your doctor regarding teeth stains in children.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children. Even small amounts of iron can be harmful to a child.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:November 29, 2007

COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company