Description

🩺 Uses

• Treatment or prevention of iron‑deficiency anemia: Restores hemoglobin by replenishing iron stores Drugs.com+4Drugs.com+4PharmEasy+4.

• Prevention of folate‑deficiency (megaloblastic) anemia, especially in:

  • Pregnant women (helps prevent neural tube defects)

  • Women of childbearing age

  • Individuals on medications that reduce folate (e.g., methotrexate) PharmEasy+3MedicinesFAQ+3PharmEasy+3.

• Supplement during conditions with increased nutritional need: pregnancy, lactation, post-surgery, or poor nutrient absorption PharmEasyPharmEasyMedicinesFAQ.

⚠️ Common Side Effects

Mirroring typical iron+folic acid supplements:

• Gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances:

  • Constipation, diarrhea, stomach cramps, abdominal discomfort, heartburn, nausea/vomiting MedPlusMart+9PharmEasy+9Drugs.com+9WebMD+1Drugs.com+1.

  • Black or dark stools are normal due to unabsorbed iron MedPlusMartDrugs.comDrugs.com.

🚨 Serious or Less Common Side Effects

• Allergic reactions: rash, itching, hives, swelling of lips, face, or throat, wheezing/bronchospasm MedicinesFAQDrugs.comDrugs.com.

• GI bleeding signs: blood in stool or vomit (“coffee‑ground” appearance) Drugs.com+4Drugs.com+4MedPlusMart+4.

• Overdose risk: Iron overdose is dangerous, especially in children—can lead to severe poisoning Drugs.com.

💡 Precautions & Interactions

• Pregnancy & lactation: Generally safe; folic acid is pregnancy category A MedicinesFAQ.

• Contraindications: Avoid in pernicious or unexplained anemias until diagnosis is confirmed MedicinesFAQDrugs.com.

• Drug interactions:

  • Iron may interfere with absorption of antacids, antibiotics, bisphosphonates.

  • Folate may interact with anticonvulsants, methotrexate, alcohol PharmEasyMedicinesFAQDrugs.com.

✔️ Tips for Use & Dosing

• How to take:

  • Ideally on an empty stomach 1 hr before food; may take with meals if GI upset occurs PharmEasyDrugs.com.

  • Avoid tea/coffee close to dose—they inhibit iron absorption PharmEasy+1PharmEasy+1.

• Routine monitoring:

  • Periodic blood tests recommended to check hemoglobin, ferritin, folate levels PharmEasy+4Drugs.com+4WebMD+4.

  • Keep out of children’s reach due to overdose risk Drugs.comDrugs.com.

✅ When to See a Doctor

• If you experience any signs of serious reaction (e.g., rash, breathing problems, blood in stool, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting).

• GI side effects become intolerable or interfere with daily life.

• You suspect overdose, especially in young children.