What is Ferrous fumarate?
Ferrous fumarate, a form of iron. Iron is normally obtained from food. Iron is a component of hemoglobin and myoglobin in your body. Hemoglobin transports oxygen from your blood to your organs and tissues. Myoglobin helps your muscle cells store oxygen. Iron fumarate can be used to treat iron-deficiency anemia. Ferrous fumarate can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Ferrous fumarate
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Ferrous fumarate can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Severe stomach pain;
- Severe nausea or vomiting;
- Do you see vomit that looks like coffee grounds or blood that looks like it could contain coffee grounds?
- Blood or tarry stool;
- There was bright red blood found in my stool sample.
Side effects of ferrous fumarate include:
- Constipation, diarrhea;
- Stomach cramps;
- Loss of appetite
- Black or dark-colored stools or urine.
There may be other side effects. Need medical advice about side effects? For guidance from your provider. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
ferrous sulfate, folic acid, ergocalciferol, thiamine, zinc, ferosulfate, and venofer
Warnings
If you suffer from iron overload or any other disorder affecting red blood cells, then you should avoid using ferrous fumarate. If a child accidentally swallows it, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. A child under 6 years of age can die from an overdose.
Before you take this drug
If you are allergic or have any of the following:
- Iron overload syndrome
- Hemolytic Anemia.
If you have had any of the following:
- A stomach ulcer
- Ulcerative colitis is an example of a digestive disorder.
- Blood transfusions.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing. You may need a different dose during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ferrous fumarate should not be given to children without consulting a physician.
How to take Ferrous fumarate?
Following the instructions listed on your medication label or as directed by your healthcare provider is key for successful use. Ferrous fumarate should be taken on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after eating. If ferrous fumarate causes stomach upset, take it with food. You may require frequent medical tests. It is possible that you will need to adhere to a special dietary regimen while taking ferrous fumarate. Please follow the instructions from your doctor or dietitian. You can learn about foods that you should eat in order to ensure you are getting enough iron through your diet as well as your medication. This medicine should not be taken for more than six months without consulting your doctor. Store away from moisture, heat and light at room temperature for optimal storage conditions.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for iron deficiency anemia:
Initial dose: 360 mg of ferrous fumarate daily for three months (equivalent to 120 mg of elemental iron). Administer in divided doses up to three times each day, up until three doses have been consumed on any one given day.
Adult dose for anemia associated with chronic renal failure:
Initial dose: 600 mg/day ferrous fumarate (200 mg/day elemental iron) taken orally in divided doses (1–3 times per day).
Comments:
If goals aren't met after 1 to 3 months with oral iron, consider IV iron supplements.
Smaller daily doses are more likely to be tolerated.
Adult dose for vitamin and mineral supplementation:
Initial dose: one tablet taken orally, once per day.
Initial dose: Orally, divide the doses between 1 and 3 times per day.
For those over 51: 15 to 24 mg/day (elemental dose of 5 to 8 mg/day) taken orally in divided doses (1–3 times per day).
The usual dose for iron deficiency anemia in children is:
From 0 to 5 years: 9 to 18 mg/kg/day of ferrous fumarate (between 3 and 6 mg/kg/day of elemental iron).
From 5 to 12 years: 180 mg ferrous fumarate (60 mg/day elemental).
12–18-year old male: 360 mg ferrous fumarate (120 mg elemental). Orally every day
Females aged 12–18: 180–360 mg/day (60–120 mg/day elemental).
Give in divided doses (up to three times per day).
Normal Pediatric Dose of Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation:
Preterm infants (less than 37 weeks of gestation), from 0 to 12 months: 6 mg/kg/day iron fumarate (2 mg/kg/day elemental iron).
0 to 6 months: 0.6 to 0.8 mg/day (0.2 to 0.27 mg/day elemental).
7–12 months: 21–33 mg/day of ferrous fumarate (elemental: 7–11 mg/day).
From 1 to 3 years: 12 to 27 mg/day of ferrous fumarate (elemental: 4 to 9 mg/day).
From 4 to 8 years: 12 to 30 mg/day of ferrous fumarate (elemental from 4 to 10 mg/day).
9- to 13-year-olds: 18 to 24 mg/day ferrous fumarate (6 to 8 mg/day elemental).
From 14 to 18: 24 to 45 mg/day of ferrous fumarate (elemental doses are 8 to 15 mg/day).
Give in divided doses (up to three times per day).
Tablets (between 324 and 325 mg of ferrous fumarate with 106 mg of elemental iron)
12 years of age and older: Take 1 tablet once daily orally.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
If you believe you've used too much ferrous fumarate or if your child has accidentally swallowed some, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. A child under 6 years of age can die from an overdose. Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. They may also cause clammy or cold skin, blue lips, or even loss of consciousness.
What should be avoided?
Eat foods low in fiber when you are taking ferrous fumarate. Whole grains, raw vegetables, and bran are high-fiber foods. You should avoid milk and other dairy products at least two hours before or two hours after taking ferrous fumarate. Take only the vitamins and minerals that your doctor prescribes or recommends.
Interaction with other drug
You may experience side effects from other medications if they affect the blood levels of some drugs. Your doctor will tell you how long to wait between taking ferrous fumarate and any other medications.
- An antacid is a stomach acid reducer.
- Anti-biotic
- Thyroid medication;
- Medicine to treat Parkinson’s disease
- Osteoporosis Medication
- Seizure medication.
Other drugs can affect ferrous fumarate. These include vitamins and herbal supplements. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop using.
