Iron
About
Iron belongs to a class of 'haematinics,' primarily used to treat iron deficiency and 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 (during pregnancy). Anaemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells for carrying the adequate oxygen required to various body tissues.
Iron contains 'Iron' an essential body mineral and nutritional supplement required for the formation of the red blood cells to carry oxygen to other body cells and tissues. By combining with a protein in the blood called haemoglobin, iron helps carry adequate oxygen to various body parts.
Your doctor will decide the dosage based on your medical condition. In some cases, it may cause side effects like constipation, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, dark stools, loss of appetite, and upset stomach. Most of these side effects of Iron do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor.
If you are known to be allergic to Iron or its inactive components, please inform 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 Iron. Iron is generally given at least four weeks before pregnancy and is continued up to 3 months of pregnancy. Iron is safe to use in children when advised by the doctor.
Uses of Iron
Medicinal Benefits
Iron is used to treat iron deficiency and anaemia (deficiency of red blood cells and haemoglobin). It contains 'Iron,' an essential body mineral required by the red blood cells to carry oxygen to other body cells and tissues. By combining with a protein in the blood called haemoglobin, iron helps carry adequate oxygen to various body parts. Iron is used as a major nutritional supplement during pregnancy to reduce the risk of iron deficiency and anaemia. Iron also has immunity-enhancing, anti-carcinogenic (preventing cancer), and cognition-enhancing properties.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Iron
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
- Dark stools
- Loss of appetite
- Upset stomach
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Let your doctor know if you are allergic to Iron or its inactive components. 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 Iron. Consult your doctor before taking Iron if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Drinking alcohol may affect iron absorption; therefore, it is advised to consult your doctor if you have any concerns. Iron supplements are safe to use in children only when advised by a doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Iron may interact with rheumatoid arthritis drugs (penicillamine), cholesterol-lowering drugs (cholestyramine), drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease (levodopa, entacapone), thyroid disease medicines (levothyroxine), antibiotics (chloramphenicol, tetracycline), blood pressure-lowering drugs (methyldopa), and antacids.
Drug-Food Interaction: Iron should not be taken with alcohol, dairy products, and eggs as it might affect iron absorption in the body.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Iron 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
cautionIt is advised to avoid the alcohol intake while using Iron since alcohol can hinder the absorption of iron in Iron.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorIron is safe to use if advised by a doctor during pregnancy. Iron is generally given at least four weeks before pregnancy and is continued up to 3 months of pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionIron can pass into the breast milk when used by a breastfeeding mother. Please consult your doctor before taking Iron if you are a nursing mother
Driving
not applicableIron does not affect your ability to drive or operate any machinery. If you notice any side effects that affect your mental ability while using Iron, please consult your doctor.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases before taking Iron.
Kidney
cautionIt is advised to seek doctor advice before starting Iron if you have kidney diseases.
Children
consult your doctorThe doctor will decide the dosage of Iron based on the child's age and weight.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Include red meat, pork, poultry, and seafood in your diet.
- Iron sources like kidney beans, black beans, spinach, raisins, apricots, and lentils will help you improve your iron deficiency when taken along with Iron.
- Also, include iron-fortified cereals, bread, and pasta timely in your regular food intake.
- Vitamin C foods like orange juice, broccoli, strawberries, melons, and bell peppers enhance iron absorption into the body.
- You can also try iron gummies if you have sweet cravings.
- Recent trends, like using cast iron utensils for cooking, may also improve your iron levels.
Special Advise
Regular monitoring of iron and haemoglobin levels is advised to rule out the possibility of anaemia.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Anemia: It is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells for carrying adequate oxygen to various body tissues. Anemia can be temporary, which can be treated with the help of supplements. Sometimes, it can also be long-term, which might require medical procedures to treat. 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. Anemia symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, light-headedness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, brittle nails, and pale skin.
FAQs
Iron is a dietary supplement that contains Iron. It works by boosting the production of red blood cells (RBC) in the body, thus treating iron deficiency associated anaemia.
It is recommended not to take Iron along with tea, coffee, or milk, and eggs since they might interfere with iron absorption from Iron.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and follow your usual dosage. Do not double the dose.
Iron is best absorbed if taken on an empty stomach. But in some patients, Iron may cause gastrointestinal disturbances like stomach upset when taken without food. So, please take it as suggested by your doctor if you have stomach problems.
Iron may cause constipation as one of its side effects. Eating fibre rich foods like vegetables, fresh fruits, and cereals, and drinking plenty of water can help relieve symptoms.
Antacids may interfere with the absorption of iron. Hence it is advised to take Iron two hours before, or four hours after taking antacids.
