Ferrous Sulfate: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Generic name: ferrous sulfate [ FARE-us-SUL-fate ]
Brand names: Feosol, Fer-In-Sol, Ferrousal, Slow Fe, Slow Release Iron,
… show all 23 brands
Mol-Iron, Feratab, Ferrospace, Fero-Gradumet Filmtab, Fer-in-Sol, Ferra T.D. Caps, Ferro-Bob, Chem-Sol, Fer-Gen-Sol, FeroSul, Ferro-Time, Yieronia, Lydia E. Pinkham, Ferra-TD, Fe 50, Feosol Iron, MyKidz Iron 10, Fer-Iron

Dosage forms: oral delayed release tablet (324 mg; 325 mg), oral elixir (220 mg/5 mL), oral liquid ((as elemental iron) 15 mg/mL,
… show all 7 dosage forms
300 mg/5 mL), oral tablet (200 mg; 325 mg), oral tablet, extended release ((as elemental iron) 45 mg, 160 mg)

Drug class: Iron products

Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD. Last updated on Jul 7, 2021.

What is ferrous sulfate?

Ferrous sulfate is a type of iron. You normally get iron from the foods you eat. In your body, iron becomes a part of your hemoglobin and myoglobin. Hemoglobin carries oxygen through your blood to tissues and organs. Myoglobin helps your muscle cells store oxygen.

Ferrous Sulfate is an essential body mineral.

Ferrous sulfate is used to treat iron deficiency anemia (a lack of red blood cells caused by having too little iron in the body).

Warnings

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take ferrous sulfate if you have iron overload syndrome, hemolytic anemia (a lack of red blood cells), porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system), thalassemia (a genetic disorder of red blood cells), if you are an alcoholic, or if you receive regular blood transfusions.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine, or if anyone has accidentally swallowed it. An overdose of iron can be fatal, especially in a young 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).

Take ferrous sulfate on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Avoid taking antacids or antibiotics within 2 hours before or after taking ferrous sulfate.

Ferrous sulfate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you should eat to make sure you get enough iron from both your diet and your medication.

Before taking this medicine

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if ferrous sulfate is safe to use if you have ever had:

• iron overload syndrome;

• a red blood cell disorder such as thalassemia; or

• a condition for which you receive regular blood transfusions.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give ferrous sulfate to a child without medical advice.

How should I take ferrous sulfate?

Use ferrous sulfate exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Take on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

You may need to follow a special diet. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods you should eat or avoid.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Get emergency medical help if a child has accidentally swallowed a tablet. An overdose of iron can be fatal to a young child.

Overdose symptoms may include severe vomiting, coughing up blood, bloody diarrhea, urinating less, thirst, dry skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking ferrous sulfate?

Avoid taking other iron supplements. Do not take any vitamin or mineral supplements without asking a doctor or pharmacist.

Ferrous sulfate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to ferrous sulfate: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain or vomiting;

• cough with bloody mucus or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• fever; or

• bloody or tarry stools.

Common ferrous sulfate side effects may include:

• diarrhea, constipation;

• nausea, stomach pain;

• green-colored stools; or

• loss of appetite.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Ferrous sulfate dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Iron Deficiency Anemia:

Initial dose: 600 mg/day ferrous sulfate (120 mg/day elemental iron) for 3 months
-Give in divided doses (1 to 3 times daily)

Usual Adult Dose for Anemia Associated with Chronic Renal Failure:

Initial dose: 1000 mg/day ferrous sulfate (200 mg/day elemental iron) orally in divided doses (1 to 3 times daily)

Comments:
-If goals are not met with oral iron after 1 to 3 months, consider IV iron supplementation.
-Smaller daily doses may be better tolerated.

Usual Adult Dose for Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation:

Initial dose: 1 tablet orally once a day

or

Initial dose: 30 to 90 mg/day ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) (6 to 18 mg/day elemental iron) orally, in divided doses (1 to 3 times daily)

51 and over: 25 to 40 mg/day FeSO4 (5 to 8 mg/day elemental) orally, in divided doses (1 to 3 times daily)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Iron Deficiency Anemia:

0 to 5 years: 15 to 30 mg/kg/day ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) (3 to 6 mg/kg/day elemental iron)
5 to 12 years: 300 mg FeSO4 (60 mg/day elemental)
12-18 years male: Two 300 mg FeSO4 (60 mg elemental) tablets orally daily
12-18 years female: 300 to 600 mg/day FeSO4 (60 to 120 mg/day elemental)
-Give in divided doses (1 to 3 times daily)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation:

Preterm infant (less than 37 weeks gestation), 0 to 12 months: 10 mg/kg/day ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) (2 mg/kg/day elemental iron)
0 to 6 months: 1 to 1. 35 mg/day FeSO4 (0.2 to 0.27 mg/day elemental)
7 to 12 months: 35 to 55 mg/day FeSO4 (7 to 11 mg/day elemental)
1 to 3 years: 20 to 45 mg/day FeSO4 (4 to 9 mg/day elemental)
4 to 8 years: 20 to 50 mg/day FeSO4 (4 to 10 mg/day elemental)
9 to 13 years: 30 to 40 mg/day FeSO4 (6 to 8 mg/day elemental)
14 to 18 years: 40 to 75 mg/day FeSO4 (8 to 15 mg/day elemental)
-Give in divided doses (1 to 3 times daily)

or

Tablets (325 mg FeSO4, 65 mg elemental iron)
12 years and older: 1 tablet orally once a day

What other drugs will affect ferrous sulfate?

Take your ferrous sulfate dose 2 to 6 hours before or after taking any of the following:

• an antacid;

• an antibiotic; or

• a laxative.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with ferrous sulfate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the typical dose of ferrous sulfate?

More about ferrous sulfate

• Check interactions
• Compare alternatives
• Reviews (42)
• Drug images
• Side effects
• Dosage information
• Patient tips
• During pregnancy
• Support group
• Drug class: iron products
• En español

Patient resources

• Patient Information
• Iron Tablets and Capsules
• Ferrous Sulfate Drops
• Ferrous Sulfate Liquid

Other brands

Feosol Original, Fe Caps, Fer-Gen-Sol, Feratab

Professional resources

• Prescribing Information

Related treatment guides

• Iron Deficiency Anemia
• Anemia Associated with Chronic Renal Failure
• Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation and Deficiency
• Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation during Pregnancy/Lactation

Further information

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

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.01.

Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, and More

The iron supplement ferrous sulfate is an iron salt with the chemical formula FeSO₄.

Iron salts are one type of the mineral iron. People often use them as a supplement to treat iron deficiency.

Ferrous sulfate is also called iron sulfate, green vitriol, and iron vitriol.

This article is an overview of ferrous sulfate, its benefits and side effects, and how you can use it to treat and prevent iron deficiency.

Ferrous sulfate is just one of many forms of the metal element iron.

In its natural state, the solid mineral resembles small crystals. The crystals are typically a shade of yellow, brown, or bluish-green — hence why ferrous sulfate is sometimes called green vitriol (1).

Supplement makers use multiple types of iron in dietary supplements. Aside from ferrous sulfate, the most common are ferrous gluconate, ferric citrate, and ferric sulfate.

Most types of iron in supplements are in one of two forms — ferric or ferrous. This depends on the chemical state of the iron atoms.

The body absorbs ferrous forms of iron better than ferric forms. Thus, healthcare providers often consider ferrous forms, including ferrous sulfate, to be the best choice for iron supplements (2, 3, 4, 5).

Summary

Dietary iron supplements often use ferrous sulfate, a solid crystalline form of the mineral iron.

The primary benefit of taking ferrous sulfate supplements is to maintain normal iron levels in the body.

Doing so may prevent you from experiencing iron deficiency, as well as the range of mild to severe side effects that often accompany it.

Here’s a closer look at the benefits of taking ferrous sulfate supplements.

Helps maintain normal blood iron levels

Iron is one of the most common elements on earth, and it’s an essential mineral. That means people need to consume it in their diet for optimal health.

The body primarily uses iron as part of the red blood cell proteins myoglobin and hemoglobin, which are essential for transporting and storing oxygen (6).

Iron also plays an important role in the formation of hormones, the health and development of the nervous system, and basic cell functioning (6).

Although many people consume iron as a dietary supplement, you can also find it naturally in many foods, including beans, spinach, potatoes, tomatoes, and particularly meat and seafood, including oysters, sardines, poultry, and beef (6).

Some foods, such as fortified breakfast cereals, are not naturally high in iron, but manufacturers add iron to make them a good source of this mineral (6).

Many of the highest sources of iron are animal products. Therefore, vegans, vegetarians, and people who do not consume many iron-rich foods as a part of their normal diet may benefit from taking ferrous sulfate iron supplements to help maintain their iron stores (7).

May prevent symptoms of iron deficiency

Taking ferrous sulfate supplements is a simple way to treat, prevent, or reverse low blood iron levels.

Preventing iron deficiency not only ensures that your body has enough of the essential nutrient to continue functioning properly but also can help you avoid many of the unpleasant side effects of low iron levels.

Some of the most notable side effects of low iron levels include (6, 8, 9, 10):

• fatigue
• headaches
• feeling weak
• low energy levels
• difficulty concentrating
• difficulty thinking clearly
• hair loss
• brittle nails
• upset stomach
• poor immunity
• heart palpitations
• restless leg syndrome
• shortness of breath
• the inability to regulate body temperature
• pica, an urge to eat nonfood items, such as paint or soap

This is a general overview — not a comprehensive list — of all the symptoms of low iron levels.

Symptoms may worsen as an iron deficiency progresses from mild to severe.

Used to treat iron deficiency anemia

Anemia is a condition that occurs when your blood has low amounts of red blood cells or hemoglobin (11).

Because iron is a critical part of the red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body, having iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of anemia (9, 12, 13).

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a severe form of iron deficiency that has significant effects on the human body and may cause some of the more serious symptoms associated with iron deficiency.

One of the most common and effective treatments for IDA is taking an oral iron supplement, such as ferrous sulfate (14, 15).

Might improve surgical outcomes

Multiple research studies have cited having iron deficiency as a risk factor for increased rates of complications and mortality following surgery.

One study looked at the outcomes for 730 people who underwent heart surgery, including those with ferritin levels below 100 mcg per liter — a sign of iron deficiency (16).

The iron deficient participants were more likely to experience serious adverse events during surgery, including death. They also required a longer stay in the hospital, on average, after surgery (16).

Iron deficiency appears to have similar effects in other types of surgery. One study analyzed more than 227,000 surgical procedures and determined that even mild IDA prior to surgery increased the risk of health complications and mortality following the procedure (17).

Because ferrous sulfate supplements can treat and prevent iron deficiency, taking them prior to having surgery could improve the outcome and reduce the risk of complications (18).

However, it may take time to increase iron levels via supplementation.

Though oral iron supplements like ferrous sulfate are an effective way to increase iron stores in the body, a person may need to take supplements every day for 2–5 months to bring their iron stores up to normal levels (18, 19).

Thus, people with iron deficiency who do not have multiple months to try and increase iron stores prior to surgery may not benefit from ferrous sulfate supplements and require another type of iron therapy instead (20, 21).

Furthermore, research studies on iron therapy for people who have anemia before surgery are limited in size and scope. Scientists still need to conduct more high quality studies to investigate the best ways for people to increase their iron levels before surgery (21).

Summary

People primarily use ferrous sulfate supplements to prevent iron deficiencies, treat iron deficiency anemia, and maintain normal iron levels. The supplements may prevent the adverse side effects of iron deficiency.

At certain stages of life, some groups of people have an increased need for iron. As such, they’re at a greater risk of low iron levels and iron deficiency. Others have lifestyles and diets that may lead to low iron levels.

People at the greatest risk of having low iron levels include (6, 15):

• infants
• children
• female adolescents
• pregnant people
• premenopausal people
• people with some chronic diseases
• people who donate blood often
• vegetarians and vegans

These groups may benefit most from ferrous sulfate supplements.

Summary

People in certain stages of life have increased iron needs and are more susceptible to iron deficiency. Children, female adolescents, pregnant people, and those with a chronic disease are some of the groups that may benefit most from ferrous sulfate.

Ferrous sulfate supplements usually come in the form of oral tablets. You can also take them as a liquid drop.

The tablets are often red, green, or white.

The supplements may be listed under a variety of names, including:

• ferrous sulfate
• iron (Fe)
• Slow Fe
• Ironorm
• Feratab
• Ferosul
• Feosol
• Feospan
• Ferrograd
• Fer-In-Sol

If you want to take ferrous sulfate, it’s important to look closely at the label for the words “ferrous sulfate” rather than choosing any iron supplement.

This is because iron supplements can contain different types of iron.

Most supplements will clearly state the type of iron on the front label.

Many daily multivitamins also contain iron. However, there’s no guarantee that the iron they contain is ferrous sulfate unless it says so on the label.

Suggested dosage

In some cases, knowing the amount of ferrous sulfate to take can be tricky. Always talk to your healthcare provider to determine the right dosage for you.

There’s no official recommendation regarding the amount of ferrous sulfate you should take each day. The amount will vary depending on factors like your age, sex, health status, and the reason why you’re taking the supplements.

Many of the multivitamins containing iron provide around 18 mg or 100% of the Daily Value (DV) for iron. However, one ferrous sulfate tablet typically provides closer to 65 mg of iron, or 360% of the DV (6).

The general recommendation for treating iron deficiency or anemia is to take one to three 65-mg tablets daily.

That said, the total amount you should take each day may vary.

Some preliminary research suggests that taking iron supplements every other day — rather than daily — may be just as effective, if not more effective, than taking the supplements daily (22, 23).

Your healthcare provider will be able to provide a more specific and personalized recommendation regarding how much ferrous sulfate to take and how often, depending on your blood iron levels and personal circumstances.

When to take it

Certain foods and nutrients, such as calcium, zinc, or magnesium, might interfere with iron absorption and vice versa. Therefore, some people try to take ferrous sulfate supplements on an empty stomach for the greatest absorption (14, 24, 25).

However, taking ferrous sulfate supplements — or any other iron supplement — on an empty stomach may cause stomach pain and distress.

As such, healthcare providers generally recommended taking ferrous sulfate supplements with a meal.

Try taking ferrous sulfate supplements with meals that are low in calcium and do not include beverages that are high in phytates, such as coffee and tea (14, 26).

On the other hand, vitamin C may increase the amount of iron absorbed from ferrous sulfate supplements. Taking ferrous sulfate together with vitamin-C-rich juice or food might help your body absorb more iron (14, 27, 28).

Summary

There are many different forms of ferrous sulfate supplements on the market. Most are oral tablets, though liquid drops are also available. Always check with your healthcare provider before deciding how much ferrous sulfate to take.

Side effects from ferrous sulfate supplements are fairly common (10).

The side effects people report most often are various types of gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, and dark or discolored stools (14, 29).

Some people have also reported experiencing heartburn after taking the supplements (29).

Furthermore, ferrous sulfate supplements may interact with certain medications.

Before starting ferrous sulfate supplements, be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you’re taking any of the following medications (6, 14):

• antacids, to treat indigestion
• proton pump inhibitors, to treat ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• laxatives, to treat constipation
• levodopa, to treat Parkinson’s disease
• levothyroxine, to treat goiters, thyroid disease, and cancer

Summary

People taking ferrous sulfate commonly report side effects like nausea, heartburn, and abdominal pain. Furthermore, iron supplements may interact with certain medications, including antacids and proton pump inhibitors.

Ferrous sulfate is safe if you take it as a qualified healthcare provider has prescribed. However, this compound — and any other iron supplement — can be toxic in large amounts, especially in children (6, 30).

Some symptoms that may result from taking too much ferrous sulfate are coma, convulsions, organ failure, and even death (6).

Therefore, it’s extremely important to never take more ferrous sulfate than the amount your healthcare provider recommends.

Summary

Ferrous sulfate supplements may be toxic and even deadly in large amounts. Never take more than the dosage recommended by your healthcare provider, and always keep the supplements out of reach of children.

Ferrous sulfate is an iron salt that the body absorbs well. People commonly use it as an iron supplement to maintain normal blood iron levels or treat iron deficiency, including anemia.

Certain groups of people, including women, frequent blood donors, and people with a chronic disease, are at a greater risk of iron deficiency. They may benefit most from ferrous sulfate supplements.

The amount of ferrous sulfate you should take can vary significantly by individual.

Furthermore, the supplements are toxic in large amounts, and they may have side effects and interact with other medications.

For all these reasons, always check with your healthcare provider before taking ferrous sulfate or any iron supplement.

21st Century Health Care Iron 65 mg – “Iron 65 mg from 21st Century Health Care is my assistant in the fight against hair loss caused by latent (latent) iron deficiency. Results of analyzes for Ferritin for 2 months.

Hello everyone!

Last spring, my hair started to shed a lot, but as usual, I attributed it to seasonal hair loss.

I decided to visit a trichologist. According to the results of the tests, it turned out that I have a slight imbalance of hormones (not critical for hair) and a severe lack of ferritin – this is it, the main reason for my hair loss . . I had to immediately contact a specialist, and not engage in amateur activities ..

Ferritin is a type of protein found in all cells of the body – in the bone marrow, muscles, spleen and, above all, in the liver. This protein plays a very important role, the body stores iron reserves in it.

In other words, ferritin is the storage of iron in the body.

The concentration of ferritin in the blood is closely related to the presence of iron in the body and thus low ferritin indicates too little iron intake, which can lead to iron deficiency anemia

900 02 Deficiency ferritin with normal hemoglobin doctors call latent or latent anemia. My hemoglobin is fine.

Symptoms of occult anemia:

• hair loss
• unhealthy appearance
• general pallor 900 65
• constant fatigue or decreased performance
• headaches,
• tinnitus,
• dizziness
• dyspnea on exertion
• palpitations
• congestion in the corners of the mouth (aphthae) – small, painful sores in the corners of the mouth

The first 4 points are all about me . ..

At the general norm is 9 0012 ferritin from 10 to 150 mg, my level is only 16 mg … The trichologist announced the norm for hair – 70 mg .

I tried to raise my Ferritin with Fenyulsa , but in a month he brought my results from 16 to 17.5 units … At this rate, it would take me years, but I needed something more effective – my hair kept falling out..

Even during the period of taking Fenyulsa , I ordered another iron preparation for Iherb , which was recommended to me by girls from the VC group with similar problems – Iron 65 mg of 21st Century Health Care.

Iron content here – 65 mg, and this is 361% of the daily norm.

Each tablet contains 200 mg dried ferrous sulfate (65 mg elemental iron) equivalent to 325 mg ferrous sulfate heptahydrate. Iron is an essential mineral that is needed for the production of red blood cells and specific enzymes.

Suggested Use

As a dietary supplement, take one (1) tablet daily with food for maximum results, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.

Do not exceed recommended dosage. Individual results may vary.

Shelf life is quite long:

The lid here is equipped with a child lock – it is necessary to press on it and unscrew it.

In a plastic jar as many as 120 tablets, and at a daily dosage – 1 tablet per day – cans will last for as much as 4 months.

The tablet size is clearer:

Reception impressions.

At the moment, a little less than half of the jar is left, my opinion is fully formed and I am ready to share it with you.

Taking Iron is quite convenient, the tablets are small, almost odorless and tasteless. You only need to drink one tablet a day, it is convenient for me to do this after dinner.

There were no side effects from taking it. True, the waste products excreted naturally turned dark in color – but this happens when taking any iron preparations, there is nothing wrong with that.

General well-being improved after a couple of weeks, and with it, the appearance was no longer pale and unhealthy☺ The amount of hair falling out was slowly decreasing.

Results of taking

December 13, 2017 – analysis for ferritin – 17. 5 mg.

I passed the next test exactly 2 months later:

February 13, 2018 – analysis for ferritin 39 mg.

In my opinion (and also in the opinion of the trichologist), quite good results – 21.5 mg for 2 months , against 1.5 mg per month from Fenuls.

Yes, 39 mg of course is still far from the cherished 70 mg (trichological norm), but still I am slowly but surely moving towards my goal of raising Ferritin and returning the former volume of hair.

So Iron 65 mg by 21st Century Health Care hair growth and phytoestrogens helped me get my worst hair loss back to normal – now every wash has finally ceased to be stressful for me☺

Health to you, I hope it was useful to someone.

Ferrous fumarate 200 – instructions for use, doses, side effects, reviews of the drug Ferrous fumarate 200 in 1997

Date of approval: 07/31/1997

Contents

• Active substance
• ATX
• Pharmacological group
• Nosological classification (ICD-10)
• Composition and form of release
• pharmachologic effect
• Indications
• Contraindications
• Use during pregnancy and lactation
• Dosage and administration
• Side effects
• Interaction
• Precautionary measures
• Storage conditions
• Best before date
• Reviews

Active ingredient

Ferrous fumarate

ATX

B03AA02 Ferrous fumarate

Pharmacological group

Stimulants of hematopoiesis

Macro- and microelements

Nosological classification (ICD-10)

ICD-10 code list

Composition and formulation

1 coated tablet contains 200 mg of iron fumarate, which is equivalent to 65 mg of ferrous iron; in a package of 100, 500 and 1000 pcs.

Pharmacological action

Pharmacological action –

antianemic , replenishing iron deficiency .

Indications

Iron deficiency anemia (treatment and prevention).

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, anemia not associated with iron deficiency, hemoglobinuria (nighttime), hemosiderosis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum (exacerbation), enteritis, ulcerative colitis, repeated blood transfusions.

Pregnancy and lactation

Not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Dosage and administration

Information for healthcare professionals only.
Are you a healthcare professional?

By mouth (may be crushed or chewed). Adults, incl. elderly – 1 tab. 3 times a day; if necessary, double the dose. For the prevention of anemia during pregnancy, it is prescribed in combination with folic acid.

Side effects

Gastrointestinal disorders (discomfort and pain in the epigastric region, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, black stools).