Ferrous
Ferrous or Ferrous sulfate is a drug in the iron preparation class which is used to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia.
- Trade names of the drug: Corovit, Iberet Folic 500, Ferrolat, and Iberet 500.
- Drug class: Iron preparations.
- Category: Over-the-counter drugs.
- Indications: To treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding categories:
Category B
It may be used by pregnant women. Animal studies have not shown a risk to the fetus, but there is no direct evidence in pregnant women.
- Drug form: Tablets, syrup, and drops.
Benefits of Ferrous
As explained above, Ferrous is a drug used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia. Keep in mind that iron can help the body make healthy red blood cells. Where red blood cells play a role in circulating oxygen throughout the body.
However, some conditions such as blood loss, pregnancy or too little iron in the diet can cause the body’s iron supply to decrease. This ultimately has the potential to trigger anemia. When anemia occurs, someone who has this condition needs to take ferrous drugs to overcome it.
Ferrous Dosage
The dosage of Ferrous for each person can vary, depending on health conditions or severity of anemia. In addition, it is important to first discuss with a doctor before using this drug, even though ferrous is sold freely. Because, it is important to get the right dosage recommendation so that the benefits can be obtained optimally.
However, in general, the following is the dosage of oral Ferrous medication for adults and children:
- Adults: For prevention of anemia, the dose is 60 mg/day. Meanwhile, for treatment, the dose is 100-200 mg/day.
- Children: For the treatment of anemia, the dose is 3-6 mg/kg body weight/day, divided into 3 doses.
How to Use Ferrous
Always follow the doctor’s instructions and the information on the packaging before using Ferrous. This medicine should be used on an empty stomach, 2 hours after eating or 1 hour before eating. However, to prevent side effects on the digestive tract, Ferrous can be taken with food.
Caution in Using Ferrous
Before using Ferrous, make sure to first discuss with your doctor regarding your medical history. Especially if you have the following conditions:
- Hemoglobinopathy.
- Diseases related to iron absorption.
- History of gastric ulcer.
- Post-gastrectomy patients.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Ferrous Side Effects
Like most drugs, Ferrous can also cause side effects. Here are common side effects that may occur after taking Ferrous:
- Stomach pain.
- Nauseous.
- No appetite.
- Vomit.
- Constipation or even diarrhea.
- Black colored stool.
- Stains on teeth (reversible).
- Dark colored urine.
- Allergic reactions.
Ferrous Interactions
The use of Ferrous together with certain other drugs can also trigger drug interactions. Here are some interactions that may occur:
- Interferes with the absorption of other drugs, if used together with methyldopa, penicillamine, fluoroquinolones, and levodopa.
- Decreased effectiveness of the drug if ferrous is consumed simultaneously with antacids, calcium preparations, zinc, phosphate, trientine, and cholestyramine.
- May increase the risk of kidney damage if taken together with dimercaprol.
Ferrous Contraindications
Ferrous medicine is not recommended for use by people with the following conditions:
- Hemochromatosis.
- Hemosiderosis.
- Hemolytic anemia.
- Active gastric ulcer.
- Ulcerative colitis.
