When people overdose on iron supplements, it leads to acute iron poisoning. Its single doses as low as 10 to 20 mg/kg will produce adverse reactions. And dose higher than 40 mg/kg will require immediate medical attention.
iron
This medicine is basically an iron supplement which is indicated in treatment & prevention of low blood iron levels (like in anemia & pregnancy). Iron is an essential mineral that body requires to produce healthy red blood cells & maintain good health.
Contradications
It is contraindicated in iron metabolism disorder (increased iron storage), overload of iron in blood, hemolytic anemia (red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are made), ulcer due to excess stomach acid, gastritis (stomach irritation), ulcerative colitis (inflammation and ulcers of colon & rectum), inflammatory condition of intestine, diverticular disease (small bulges form from wall of colon), repeated blood transfusions (leading to excess iron). It is also contraindicated in allergies with iron complex, iron analogues, calcium, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), cobalt, vitamin B, cobalamin & derivatives, folic acid containing drugs, docusate, zinc oxide, zinc, calcium threonate, vitamin B6 preparations-pyridoxine, vitamin D analogue, magnesium oxide & magnesium.
Side effects
Side effects experienced may include constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach; these effects are temporary & disappears after some time. Iron present may cause stool to turn black, but this effect is not harmful. A very serious allergic reaction is rare. But if symptoms of allergic arise like rash, itching, swelling (face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness & breathing difficulty; then immediately consult a doctor.
Expert Advice
- For directions of its use, follow the product package or as directed by the doctor. And don’t take more than the recommended dose.
- This medicine can be taken best on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after having a meal.
- If stomach upset occurs, then take this medicine with food.
- Within 2 hours before or after taking the medication, avoid using antacids, dairy products, tea, or coffee as this will decrease effectiveness of it.
- After taking its tablet or capsule dose, don’t lie down for at least 10 minutes.
- Its capsules & tablets should be taken with full glass of water unless directed otherwise by the doctor.
- Extended-release capsules should be swallowed whole. Don’t crush or chew on them.
- Use it regularly to get most benefit from it.
FAQs
Can I use iron supplements in excess?
What are signs of iron overload?
Its symptoms may include chronic fatigue, joint pain, abdominal pain, liver disease, diabetes mellitus, irregular heart rhythm or heart attack.
Can low iron make you hungrier?
It is noted that people who have iron deficiency experience hunger for strange substances like paper, ice, or dirt (a condition known as pica).
Does iron deficiency cause palpitations?
In case of iron deficiency, one might experience heart palpitations as there are low hemoglobin levels and heart must work extra hard to carry oxygen.
Does iron deficiency make you fat?
In iron-deficient individuals, there is low level of energy and they have sudden weight gain because their thyroid gland is underactive.
Medicines containing iron
Rs.470
