Ferrous Sulfate Side Effects

Ferrous sulfate provides the body with iron, that is needed for the production of red blood cells. Ferrous sulfate, also known as iron sulfate, helps in treating or preventing diseases and conditions which are caused due to iron deficiency in the body, such as anemia. An iron deficiency is also caused when a woman is pregnant or when the diet a person undertakes, lacks in the required nutrients especially iron, if there is excess bleeding or some other health problem. Let's learn a bit about the usage, benefits and ferrous sulfate side effects.

What is Ferrous Sulfate
Our body gets iron from the foods that we consume daily. This iron that is absorbed by our body, adds to our myoglobin and hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen to the organs and tissues of the body through blood, while Myoglobin aids the muscle cells in storing oxygen. Sometimes, there might be deficiency of iron in the body, this is when ferrous sulfate, a type of iron and an essential mineral, is recommended by the doctors to compensate for this lack of iron. Taking ferrous sulfate supplements ensures that the body's cells, tissues and organs have enough oxygen.

How to Take Ferrous Sulfate
Ferrous sulfate can be taken, either in the form of a pill/capsule or as a syrup, as prescribed by a doctor. Normally, the pill is taken two hours after the meal or about one hour prior to the meal, with a glass of plain water. Medicines such as antibiotics and antacids, can cause a reaction if taken with ferrous sulfate, so they should be avoided. Also, the tablet/capsule of ferrous sulfate should be swallowed directly, and should not be either crushed or chewed or broken open.

When taken in liquid form, the ferrous sulfate syrup should be shaken properly first. Afterwards, taking a measuring spoon, correct dosage in accordance with what is prescribed by the doctors, should be measured and consumed.

Ferrous sulfate medication alone can not meet the iron requirements of the body. It has to be accompanied by consumption of foods rich in iron, such as green leafy vegetables, cabbage, asparagus, broccoli, kidney beans, lentils, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, brown rice, liver, chicken and seafood.

Ferrous Sulfate Side Effects
Ferrous sulfate may not be suitable to some people and thus, may cause certain side effects in them. Here is a list of side effects of ferrous sulfate.

• Ferrous Sulfate can cause an allergic reaction in some people, resulting in a skin rash or itching. There might also be associated swelling on the face, inside the mouth and lips.
• Another side effect of iron pill with Ferrous Sulfate is change in color of the nails, lips and palms. They usually get a bluish appearance.
• Consumption of Ferrous sulfate drugs can make the stools of the person very dark or black in color. This, in most cases, is due to the presence of iron in them.
• Ferrous sulfate can make swallowing food or water difficult. It can cause pain in throat upon swallowing too.
• The person might feel tired all the time and even drowsy at some points.
• Indigestion, stomach pain and vomiting are some other ferrous sulfate side effects.
• Ferrous sulfate side effects that can be pretty dangerous are seizures and irregularity in the heartbeat.
• Overdose of ferrous sulfate can cause severe stomach ache, diarrhea, blood in stools, vomiting, difficulty in breathing and pale skin in a person.

As you can see, ferrous sulfate side effects can be quite serious sometimes. In order to avoid them, it is very important to consult a doctor before starting any course of this medicine. Also, informing the doctor about your previous health conditions especially if you have iron overload syndrome, porphyria, hemolytic anemia, thalassemia or if you are taking blood transfusions or are an alcoholic, is very essential.