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Iron Containing Products Information - Side Effects, Uses and Benefits

Type of Drug:

Iron supplements.

How the Drug Works:

Iron, a mineral found in some foods, is needed to make hemoglobin, a component of red blood cells. Hemoglobin allows red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.

Uses of Iron-Containing Products:

To prevent or treat iron deficiency anemia.

Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may prescribe iron supplementation for patients receiving epoetin therapy.

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations: allergy to any ingredients in these production over led (eg.hemachromatosis)non-iorn deficiency anemia's or blood disorder (eg.hemolytic anemia normal iron balance)

Use with caution in the following situations: chronic fatigue of unknown peptic ulcer cause ulcerative colitis enteritis (inflammation of small intestine)

Occult blood tests: Iron products may skew results of occult blood tests.

Children: Children are particularly sensitive to accidental overdoses of iron­containing products. Immediately report any suspected overdoses to your local Poison Control Center .

Tartrazine: Some of these products may contain the dye tartrazine (FD&C Yellow No.5) which can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. Check package label when available or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Sulfites: Some of these products may contain sulfite preservatives which can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals (eg, asthmatics). Check package label when available or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking this medicine. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with this medicine.

  • Antacids (eg, Maalox)

  • Chloramphenicol (Chlormethyldopa omycetin)

  • Cimetidine (Tagamet)

  • Fluorquinolones (eg, Cipro)

  • Levodopa (eg, oopar)

  • Tetracyclines (eg, Achromycin II)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Iron Overdose - Unexplained tiredness; nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain; black, tarry stools; weak, rapid pulse; decreased blood pressure; dehy dration; coma; fast breathing.

Digestive Tract: Stomach upset; appetite loss; nausea; vomiting; constipation; diarrhea; dark stools; staining of teeth (liquids only).

Guidelines for Use:

  • Certain foods (eg, eggs, milk, coffee, tea) may decrease iron absorption. Take on an empty stomach with water. However, if stomach upset Occurs, take after meals or with food.

  • Do not chew or crush sustained-release preparations.

  • Avoid taking antacids, fluoroquinolones or tetracycline at the same time. Allow 1 to 2 hours between iron and the antacid or antibiotics.

  • Drink liquid iron preparations mixed in water or juice and through a straw to prevent staining of teeth.

  • Medication may cause black stools, constipation or diarrhea.

  • Discontinue medication and contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained tiredness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, black tarry stools, weak rapid pulse, decreased blood pressure or dehydration.

  • If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose in order to "catch up" (unless advised to do so by your doctor). If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) - Adults: males and females over 50 years of age, 10 mg; females 11 to 50 years of age, 15 mg; pregnancy, 30 mg (if this increased requirement cannot be met by ordinary diets, the use of supplemental iron may be recommended); breastfeeding, 15 mg.

  • Common sources of iron: Meat, eggs, vegetables, fortified or enriched cereals.

  • In a true iron deficiency state, iron doses are higher than the RDA. Discuss the desired dose and duration of therapy with your doctor if you are iron deficient.