Iron Overdose

One of the essential minerals for our body is iron, a carrier of oxygen in the body. Having said that it is an important part of hemoglobin (a hemoprotein composed of globin and heme that gives red blood cells their characteristic color; function primarily to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues) and myoglobin (a hemoprotein that receives oxygen from hemoglobin and stores it in the tissues until needed). Not only this, iron is also used in immune function, regulation of body temperature, metabolism and cognitive development. So it is clear that iron deficiency can cause bouts of medical disorders in the body. However, too much of iron or iron overdose is, in fact, considered more harmful, especially for the elderly.

Iron Overdose Signs and Symptoms

Common side effects/symptoms include diarrhea, liver problem, nausea and vomiting, metallic taste in mouth, black or bloody feces, dehydration, low blood pressure, weak pulse and shock. There could also be the occurrence of fluid build up in lungs, convulsions, fever, headache, chills and even coma. An overdose of iron may also manifest itself into abnormal changes in the skin which include flushing, bluish-colored lips and fingernails, or loss of color. Such symptoms may not show until up to 60 minutes or more after the overdose has occurred.

If you are aware of the fact that you have overdosed yourself, then immediately call for 911 or have someone drive you to a hospital. In case if you don't, then the occurrence of any abnormal symptom after taking iron supplements, should be your clue to get medical help as soon as possible.

Treating the Overdose

Phlebotomy is the medical procedure which is usually employed for treating iron overdose. This involves removal of blood from the body. One unit of whole blood is what is removed once or twice a week. Patients are required to undergo this treatment of phlebotomy until they have gotten rid of all the excess iron in their body. So, this requires the blood levels of the patient to be under constant monitoring and analysis throughout the treatment. How long would the course of this treatment last? It depends upon the severity of the overdose symptoms, age of the patient, gender and the reason for diagnosis. Eventually, once the treatment has been able to help the affected person to achieve his normal levels of iron in his body, then he may undergo the process of phlebotomy three or four times a year. This again, is governed by the symptoms and levels of hemoglobin in the blood.

Complications of an iron overdose could be more severe in children. They remain unaware of the danger of this condition and may take large amounts of iron pills at a time. This could be because the pills somewhat look like candy. So to reduce such risks various companies are now manufacturing the pills which no longer mimic candy.

Iron supplements are necessary to take care of certain health conditions for some people. However, they also have their share of side effects, especially when taken in amounts more than recommended. So, always make a clear note of the dosage recommended to you and your children by your doctor, and follow the same with precaution.