Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc
About Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc
Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc belongs to a class of 'nutritional supplements,' primarily used to treat iron deficiency and its associated anaemia. Iron deficiency anaemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells due to low iron levels.
Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc contains Elemental Iron, Folic acid, and Elemental Zinc. Elemental Iron is an essential mineral that aids in producing red blood cells and transporting oxygen to body tissues. Folic acid helps form red blood cells and prevents and treats folate deficiency (low blood levels of folate). Elemental Zinc is a mineral that promotes the growth and development of body tissues.
Your doctor will decide the dosage based on your medical condition. In some cases, Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc may cause side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach upset. These side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor.
Brief your medical history to the doctor if you have any heart/kidney/liver diseases, iron overload disorders like hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, and intestinal problems (ulcer, colitis) before starting Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc. It is essential to seek medical advice before starting Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Drinking alcohol may affect iron absorption; therefore, it is advised to consult your doctor before using Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc. Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc should be given to children only when advised by the doctor.
Uses of Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc
Medicinal Benefits
Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc contains Elemental Iron, Folic Acid, and Elemental Zinc. Elemental iron is a mineral that the body requires for red blood cells to transport oxygen to other cells and tissues. Iron, in combination with a protein in the blood called haemoglobin, aids in the transport of adequate oxygen to various body parts. Folic acid promotes the formation of red blood cells. It prevents and treats anaemia and folate deficiency. Elemental Zinc is a mineral that promotes the growth and development of body tissues.
Directions for Use
Side Effects of Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Stomach upset
Drug Warnings
Brief your medical history to the doctor if you have any allergic reactions to medicines, heart/kidney/liver/ diseases, iron overload disorders like hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, and intestinal problems (ulcer, colitis) before starting Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc. Pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc. Iron is excreted into the breast milk; hence consult your doctor before taking Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc if you are a breastfeeding mother. Drinking alcohol may affect iron absorption; therefore, it is advised to consult your doctor before using Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc. Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc should be used for children only when suggested by the doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc may interact with antacids, antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, cephalexin, penicillamine), fits medicines (phenytoin, phenobarbital), anti-cancer drugs (cisplatin), and HIV/AIDS medicines (ritonavir).
Drug-Food Interaction: Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc should not be taken along with alcohol, dairy products, and eggs as it might affect iron absorption.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc should be used with caution in heart, liver or kidney diseases, iron overload disorders like hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, and intestinal problems (ulcer, colitis).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionDrinking alcohol may affect iron absorption; therefore, it is advised to consult your doctor before using Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc.
Pregnancy
cautionThere is limited data on how Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc affects pregnancy. Please consult your doctor before starting Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionIron in Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc can pass into breast milk when used by a breastfeeding mother. Please consult your doctor before taking Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc if you are a nursing mother.
Driving
safe if suggestedElemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc usually does not interfere with your driving ability. However, please consult your doctor if you notice any side effects that affect your mental ability while using Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases before taking Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc.
Kidney
cautionIt is advised to seek your doctor's advice before starting Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc if you have kidney disease. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc.
Children
cautionElemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc should be used in children only when suggested by a doctor. The doctor will prescribe the dosage of Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc based on the child's age and weight.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Try folate-rich food sources like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, leafy green vegetables, cabbage, kale, spring greens, spinach, peas, chickpeas, kidney beans, liver (avoid this during pregnancy), and breakfast cereals fortified with folic acid.
- Vitamin C foods like orange juice, broccoli, strawberries, melons, and bell peppers enhance iron absorption.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Cut down on sugar, salt and processed foods.
Special Advise
Regular monitoring of iron and haemoglobin levels is advised to rule out the possibility of anaemia.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Iron deficiency anaemia: It is a condition caused due to low iron levels in which the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to various body tissues. If the body has too little iron, it cannot make enough haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is the main protein in the red blood cells, responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, light-headedness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, brittle nails, and pale skin.
FAQs
Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc is a nutritional supplement that consists of Elemental Iron, Folic acid, and Elemental Zinc. It works by restoring iron levels and boosting the body's production of red blood cells (RBC), thus treating iron deficiency anaemia.
It is recommended not to take Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc along with tea, coffee, milk, and eggs since they might interfere with iron absorption from Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc.
Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc is best absorbed if taken on an empty stomach. But in some patients, Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc may cause gastrointestinal disturbances like stomach upset or constipation when taken without food. So, please take it as suggested by your doctor if you have stomach problems.
Antacids may interfere with the absorption of iron. Hence, it is advised to take Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc two hours before or four hours after taking antacids.
Zinc may decrease the absorption of antibiotics, thereby reducing their effectiveness. It is advised to maintain at least an hour gap between Elemental Iron+folic Acid+elemental Zinc and other antibiotics.
