Name Ferrous Fumarate
Classes Electrolyte and Mineral
Nutritional Supplement
Diseases Iron Deficiency

Ferrous Fumarate

Ferrous fumarate is an inorganic compound used as iron supplement. It is available as syrup and tablet.

Ferrous fumarate is indicated for the following conditions-

  • Iron deficiency
  • Anemia

Prevention of iron deficiency:

  • Adults and elderly: Take one 5 mL spoonful of ferrous sulphate syrup twice a day.
  • Pediatric population:
    • 6-24 months of age: 12.5mg/day
    • 2-5 years of age: 20-30mg/day
    • 6-11 years of age: 30-60mg/day
    • Older children: 60mg/day

Treatment of iron deficiency:

  • Adults: Take one 5 mL spoonful of ferrous sulphate syrup twice a day.
  • 3 to 6 mg elemental iron/Kg/day in 2 to 3 separate doses for full-term babies and children. The total daily intake of elemental iron should not exceed 180 mg.

Ferrous fumarate syrup can cause the following side effects-

  • Acidity
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Iron absorption is low in certain post-gastrectomy patients. When treating patients with iron deficiency anemia who have had their peptic ulcers treated or controlled, caution is essential.
  • Treatment for uncomplicated iron deficiency anemia should not last more than 6 months in most cases (3 months after reversal of the anemia has been achieved).
  • Because anemia caused by a combination of iron and Vitamin B12 or folate insufficiency can be microcytic, individuals with microcytic anemia who are resistant to iron treatment should be tested for Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.

Children and adolescents:

  • Ferrous fumarate syrup should be kept away from children's reach.
  • Long-term use of Ferrous fumarate syrup has been linked to an increased incidence of dental cavities. Dental hygiene must be kept up to date. Because Ferrous fumarate syrup contains sugar, it should be used with caution in diabetic people.

Contraindication

Contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to any component of the medication.

There's no known contraindications of ferrous fumarate in terms of food and drinks.

Ferrous fumarate is contraindicated in the following conditions-

  • Ulcer
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Hemoglobinuria
  • Hemosiderosis
  • Hemochromatosis