This capsule is a haematinic preparation for the treatment and prophylaxis of iron and folic acid deficiency, especially during pregnancy and lactation.

Dosage & Administration

1 (one) capsule a day, throughout pregnancy and lactation. Some patients may need a higher dose because of dietary or other factors.

Contraindicated in patients receiving repeated blood transfusions or in patients with anaemias not produced by iron deficiency unless iron deficiency is also present.

Because iron salts are astringent, gastrointestinal irritation may occur. Nausea and epigastric pain are dose related.

Overdose Effects

Symptoms of overdosage with iron salts include epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting, haematemesis and circulatory collapse. In severe cases encephalopathy, acute hepatic necrosis and acute renal failure may develop after a latent period. The timed release capsule presentation of ferrous sulfate may delay excessive absorption of iron and allow more time for the initiation of appropriate counter measures. Treatment consists of gastric lavage followed by the introduction of 5 gm desferrioxamine into the stomach. Serum iron levels should be monitored, in severe cases intravenous desferrioxamine should be given together with supportive and symptomatic measures as required.

Iron chelates with antacid and tetracycline and absorption of all these may be impaired if taken concurrently. However, the administration of tetracycline during pregnancy is contraindicated.