Elemental Iron+folic Acid
About
Elemental Iron+folic Acid belongs to a class of medications called 'haematinics' primarily used to treat anaemia (deficiency of iron and haemoglobin). Iron deficiency occurs mainly due to poor diet, poor absorption of food or increased folate use in the body (in pregnancy). Anaemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry the adequate oxygen required to various body tissues.
Elemental Iron+folic Acid is a combination of two drugs, namely: Elemental Iron and Folic acid. Elemental iron helps with the transportation of oxygen throughout the body and the production of red blood cells. Folic acid works by boosting the production of red blood cells (RBC) in the body. Together, Elemental Iron+folic Acid helps treat anaemia.
You are advised to take Elemental Iron+folic Acid for as long as your doctor has recommended it for you, depending upon your medical condition. You may experience constipation, dry mouth, loss of appetite, bloating, and diarrhoea in some cases. Most of these side effects of Elemental Iron+folic Acid do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Do not take Elemental Iron+folic Acid if you are allergic to iron, folic acid or any of the ingredients of Elemental Iron+folic Acid. Do not start taking any new medication without telling your doctor. Elemental Iron+folic Acid is generally safe to consume during pregnancy. Let your doctor know if you are a nursing mother before starting Elemental Iron+folic Acid. This supplement should be given to a child under 12 years of age only if advised by the doctor.
Uses of Elemental Iron+folic Acid
Medicinal Benefits
Elemental Iron+folic Acid is a combination drug containing or 'haematinics' primarily used to treat anaemia (deficiency of red blood cells and haemoglobin). During pregnancy, the demand for iron and folic acid in the body is increased, therefore Elemental Iron+folic Acid acts as a supplement in pregnancy. It also helps the body produce and maintain new cells, prevents the DNA from mutating, leading to cancer. Elemental Iron+folic Acid contains Elemental Iron and Folic acid (haematinics combination), which works by boosting the production of red blood cells (RBC) and haemoglobin in the body. Thus, the use of Elemental Iron+folic Acid is associated with a reduced risk of iron deficiency and anaemia, especially in pregnant women.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Elemental Iron+folic Acid
- Bloating
- Loss Of Appetite
- Dry Mouth
- Diarrhea
- Skin rashes
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Elemental Iron+folic Acid if you are allergic to iron, folic acid or any of the ingredients of Elemental Iron+folic Acid. Do not start taking any new medication without telling your doctor. Elemental Iron+folic Acid is generally safe to consume during pregnancy. Let your doctor know if you are a nursing mother before starting Elemental Iron+folic Acid. This supplement should be given to a child under 12 years of age only if advised by the doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Elemental Iron+folic Acid may interact with medicines used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (penicillamine, sulfasalazine), blood cholesterol (cholestyramine), Parkinson's disease (levodopa, carbidopa), thyroid disease (thyroxine), bone disease (bisphosphonates), certain cancers (aminopterin, methotrexate), malaria (pyrimethamine), Wilson's disease (trientine), and antibiotics (cotrimoxazole, chloramphenicol, tetracyclines).
Drug-Food Interaction: Elemental Iron+folic Acid should not be taken along with alcohol, dairy products, and eggs as it might affect Elemental Iron+folic Acid absorption in the body.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Use Elemental Iron+folic Acid with caution in conditions like stomach ulcer, vitamin B12 deficiency, any blood disorder, repeated blood transfusions, ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the colon), anaemia, or folate tumour.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Elemental Iron+folic Acid to avoid unpleasant side-effects.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorElemental Iron+folic Acid is safe to use during pregnancy when advised by a doctor.
Breast Feeding
cautionLet your doctor know if you are a nursing mother before starting Elemental Iron+folic Acid.
Driving
not applicableElemental Iron+folic Acid is not known to affect driving ability.
Liver
cautionElemental Iron+folic Acid to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver disease. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Elemental Iron+folic Acid if you have kidney problems.
Children
cautionElemental Iron+folic Acid should be given to children only when recommended by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet, especially green leafy vegetables, and do regular physical exercise.
- Limit the consumption of alcohol, junk food items from outside and stick to freshly prepared home-cooked meals.
- Increase intake of fruits in your diet especially fruits rich in iron like pomegranate, citrus fruits.
- Elemental Iron+folic Acid can cause dry mouth, so drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated.
Special Advise
- Avoid taking Elemental Iron+folic Acid along with diary products, coffee, alcohol, and eggs.
- Constantly monitor your blood iron or haemoglobin level.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Anaemia: It is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to various body tissues. Anaemia can be temporary, which can be treated with the help of supplements, and it can also be long-term, which might require medical procedures. It makes you feel tired very quickly due to a lack of oxygen supply in the body. It is one of the most common blood disorders.
Folate deficiency: The deficiency of folic acid in the body is known as folate deficiency. It generally occurs when your diet does not have sufficient folic acid (citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables). Folate deficiency, if left untreated, can lead to anaemia.
FAQs
Elemental Iron+folic Acid contains Elemental Iron and Folic acid, primarily used to treat anaemia. Elemental Iron+folic Acid works by boosting the production of red blood cells (RBC) in the body.
Folic acid requirements are usually met from the diet, but additional supplements are required in its deficiency. Elemental Iron+folic Acid is advised to pregnant women who want to conceive as folate utilization is increased in pregnancy. It is generally given at least 4 weeks before pregnancy and is continued up to 3 months of pregnancy.
It is recommended not to take Elemental Iron+folic Acid along with tea, coffee, milk or eggs as the body might absorb less iron supplements if you take them together, which may reduce the effectiveness of Elemental Iron+folic Acid.
Elemental Iron+folic Acid is best absorbed if taken on an empty stomach. But in some patients, it causes an upset stomach if taken on an empty stomach. So, please take it as suggested by your doctor if you have an upset stomach problem.
If you are pregnant, it is necessary to maintain the right levels of folic acid to reduce the risk of neural tube defects as the baby's central nervous system develops. So, to avoid any defect, it is necessary to take it for the first three months as the neural tube is formed completely by this time.
