What is Iron polysaccharide (fepos)?
Iron polysaccharide, or iron oxide, is a type of mineral. Iron is essential for a number of functions in the human body, including oxygen transport in the blood. Iron polysaccharide can be used to prevent iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia. Iron polysaccharide should not be used as a general supplement for people with normal iron. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for iron polysaccharide.
Side effects of Iron polysaccharide
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives, facial or throat swelling and difficulty swallowing. Seek medical help immediately!
Iron polysaccharide can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Bloody or tarry stool;
- Severe stomach cramps or pain.
Side effects of iron polysaccharide include:
- Constipation, diarrhea;
- Nausea, upset stomach;
- Black or dark-coloured stools
- Temporary staining of teeth
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
If you have hemochromatosis or hemosiderosis,
Iron polysaccharide should be kept out of reach of children. A child's accidental iron overdose can be deadly.
Before you take this drug
If you are:
- Hemochromatosis;
- Hemosiderosis
- Anemia hemolytic.
Do not administer this medicine to an infant without consulting a doctor. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing. You may need a different dose during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
How to take Iron polysaccharide?
Follow the instructions on the label or those prescribed by your doctor. Iron polysaccharide is best taken on an empty stomach. Take the medicine after eating or with food if stomach upset is experienced. Measuring liquid medicine is important. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon).
Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication.If you don't understand the instructions, consult your physician or pharmacist. Medical tests will be required frequently. You should not use iron polysaccharide without consulting your doctor. Each person suffering from anemia should be under the supervision of a physician.
Store at room temperature to avoid heat and moisture damage. This medicine should be kept out of the reach of children. A child can die from an accidental iron overdose.
Details on dosage
Adult dosage for vitamin and mineral supplements:
Oral capsules containing 50 mg of elemental iron: Take 1 capsule once daily.
US Recommended Dietary Intake for Elemental Iron:
Male 18 years old: 11 mg daily
Males aged 19 and older: 8 mg per day
Female 18 years and older: 15 mg daily
Females aged 19–50 years: 18 mg per day
Females 51 years of age and older: 8 mg per day
The upper intake level that is acceptable to all genders (all ages) is 45 mg.
Comments:
Vegetarians should consume 1.8 times more iron than meat eaters because the iron in meat is bioavailable.
Normal Paediatric Dose of Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation:
15 mg of elemental iron per ml
Children under 4: 15 mg (1 ml) taken orally, once per day
Oral capsules containing 50 mg of elemental iron
12 years of age and older: Take 1 capsule once daily.
US Recommended Dietary Intake for Elemental Iron:
From 0 to 6 months (adequate ingestion): 0.27mg per day
From 7 to 12 months: 11 mg per day
From 1 to 3 years old: 7 mg daily
From 4 to 8 years old: 10 mg daily
From 9 to 13: 8 mg daily
Males aged 14–18: 11 mg daily
Females aged 14–18: 15 mg daily
For all genders, up to age 13: 40 mg
The upper intake level that is acceptable to all genders, 14 years of age and older, is 45 mg.
Comments:
Vegetarians should consume 1.8 times more iron than meat eaters because the iron in meat is bioavailable.
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?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. A child's overdose can be deadly.
Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, tarry stool, a low pulse rate, a rapid heart rate, or seizures (convulsions).
What should be avoided?
Avoid:
- Milk or other dairy products
- High-fiber foods are those that contain whole grains, vegetables, or bran.
- Coffee, tea;
- Coca-cola; chocolate
- Energy drinks or other sources of caffeine
Interaction with other drug
Iron polysaccharide can be less effective if taken with certain medicines. Take your iron polysaccharide 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking any of the medicines listed below.
- An antacid;
- Anti-biotic
- Medicine to treat Parkinson’s disease
- Thyroid medication.
This list is incomplete. Iron polysaccharide can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.
