What is ferrous sulfate and what is it for?

What is ferrous sulfate?

Ferrous sulfate is an active substance, present in generic or commercial drugs that serve as supplements, giving antianemic characteristics, that is, they counteract the condition ofanemiaand its causes.

Ferrous sulphate comes mostlyin the form of tabletsor drops of 200 mg and 120 ml solution, the route of administration of which is oral. The doses depend on the case being treated and the age of the patient.

Note: A medical study mentions that: “Ironis absorbed in the duodenum and upper jejunum; Absorption is higher (20% to 30%) in people with low iron concentrations than in people with normal values (10%).” (1)

What is ferrous sulphate for?

In general, ferrous sulfate is a type of ferrous salt that provides the iron mineralin the globin protein to producered blood cells, because it has a higher degree of absorption. For the same reason it is prescribed in these cases:

1. Iron deficiency anemia

This is a type of anemia, where the decrease in red blood cells (blood components) is due to the low presence of iron in the body, either due to abundant blood loss or by consuming very few foods rich in this nutritious mineral. .

To highlight: The doses of ferrous sulfate in adults are 2 tablets of 120 mg per day and in children they usually range from 3 mg to 6 mg tablets per day.

2. Iron deficiency

Attacking iron deficiency is also preventing anemia. The absence of this mineral can be recognized bysymptoms such as hair loss , dizziness or excessive fatigue, as well as anemia and headaches.

You should know: Ferrous sulfate tablets are prescribed as a supplement in adults of 2 mg to 3 mg per day, while in children they can be 5 mg to 6 mg per day, at intervals of 8 to 12 hours.

Ferrous Sulfate Side Effects

The absorption of ferrous sulfate can frequently bring with it a series of adverse effectswhich must be fully recognized. Among the most notable are:

• Dark Stools
• Nausea.
• Constipation.
• Puke .
• Stomach acidity.

Ferrous sulfate contraindications

Ferrous sulfate is not indicated for a certain number of patients, due to the negative interaction it could have on them, so it is not prescribed for these cases:

• Sulfate hypersensitivity.
• Hepatitis.
• Gastritis.
• gastric ulcers.

To highlight: For patient safety reasons, it is not recommended to administer it with milk, calcium or antacids. You must wait at least 2 hours. 

Key Findings

• Ferrous sulfate is a substance of elemental iron salts, which is commonly prescribed to treat iron deficiency anemia and iron deficiency.
• Ferrous sulfate eatsmostly as 200 mg and 120 mL tablets or solution drops.
• Ferrous sulfate can cause certain gastric problems as adverse reactions.
• It is advisable not to administer ferrous sulfate with certain types of dairy foods.