What are Iron Chews?
Iron chews are a replacement for iron. Iron is normally obtained from food. Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to your tissues and organs.
Iron chews can be used to prevent or treat iron deficiency, including iron-deficiency anemia. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for iron chews.
Side effects of Iron Chews
If you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling in your face, lips or throat. Seek medical assistance immediately.
Iron chews can cause a variety of side effects.
- Diarrhea, constipation;
- Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain;
- Tooth discoloration;
- Dark-coloured bowel motions
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The fda can be contacted at 1-800-fda-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Keep iron chews out of reach of children. A child can die from an accidental overdose of iron carbonyl.
Before you take this drug
Iron chews should not be used if:
- A stomach ulcer, or colitis ulcerative
- Hemochromatosis;
- Hemolytic anemia
- Anemia is not caused by iron deficiencies.
You should ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it is safe to take this medication if you don't have an iron shortage. Iron chews are not recommended for people with a normal iron level. Iron chews may contain milk. Tell your doctor about lactose insensitivity or a dairy allergy. You may need a different dose during pregnancy or breastfeeding. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, your dose requirements may differ. Do not administer this medicine to children younger than 12.
How to take Iron Chews?
Do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration. Use the recommended dose and do not exceed it. If you have an upset stomach, iron chews can be taken along with your food. Chew the chewable tablet before swallowing it. Just before measuring a dose, shake the oral suspension well. Use the provided dosing syringe or dose-measuring cup/spoon to accurately dose liquid medicine. If necessary, inquire with your pharmacist for additional tools for dosage measurement.
Tell your carers if you require a transfusion that you use iron chews. Iron chews should not be taken for more than six months without consulting your doctor. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature. Store this medicine away from children. A child's accidental iron overdose can be fatal.
What happens if i miss the dose?
As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. If it is close to the time for the next dose, you can skip the missed dose and take the regular dose. Do not take two doses.
What happens if i overdose?
Call the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Iron chews overdose can be deadly, especially for children.
Overdose symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, bleeding or tarry stool, fever, and severe stomach pain. Other symptoms are pale skin, blue fingernails or lips, a rapid but weak pulse, shallow breathing, or seizures.
What should be avoided?
Iron chews should not be taken within 2 hours of taking other medications or within 2 hours afterward. This medication can interfere with the absorption of other medications.
Interaction with other drug
If you also take any of these drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it's safe to use iron chews.
- An antacid;
- An antibiotic, such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin; doxycycline or tetracycline.
- A stomach acid reducer, such as cimetidine, tagamet (pepcid), famotidine, or ranitidine (zantac),
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, may interact with carbonyl iron. This medication guide does not cover all possible interactions.
