Ferrodose-S Ferrous Sulphate 200mg 28 Tablets are iron tablets used to treat anaemia caused by a lack of iron in the diet or loss of iron from the body. Each tablet contains 200mg of dried ferrous sulphate, and the dose can be set for either preventing or treating iron-deficiency anaemia.

Key Features

• Iron tablet: Each tablet contains 200mg of dried ferrous sulphate, a form of iron that the body needs to make red blood cells.
• Used for iron-deficiency anaemia: For anaemia caused by lack of iron in the diet or loss of iron from the body.
• Dose depends on the purpose: Adults and the elderly take one tablet daily to prevent iron-deficiency anaemia, or one tablet two to three times daily to treat it.
• 28-tablet pack: At one tablet daily the pack lasts 28 days. At one tablet two to three times daily it lasts 9 to 14 days.
• Swallowed whole with water: The tablets must not be sucked, chewed or kept in the mouth.

Can I take Ferrodose-S with tea, milk or eggs?

No. Tea, milk and eggs reduce how well iron is absorbed in the stomach, so do not take the tablets with them.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Take another tablet as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.

Can children take Ferrodose-S?

No. Iron tablets of this type are not recommended for children and adolescents. The doses given here are for adults and the elderly.

Active ingredient: Dried ferrous sulphate 200mg per tablet.

Adults and the elderly:

• Prevention of iron-deficiency anaemia: one tablet daily.
• Treatment of iron-deficiency anaemia: one tablet two to three times daily.

Take the tablets by mouth. Swallow each tablet whole with water. Do not suck, chew or keep the tablet in your mouth.

Treatment should not last more than three months after the anaemia is controlled. Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you, and check with them if you are not sure.

Check the following before taking Ferrodose-S:

• Do not take these tablets if you are allergic to ferrous sulphate or any of the other ingredients.
• Do not take them if you have iron storage disease, where the body contains more iron than it should (such as haemosiderosis or haemochromatosis).
• Do not take them if you notice blood in your urine (paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria).
• Do not take them if you have an active stomach ulcer.
• Do not take them if you have ulcerative colitis or another inflammatory bowel condition (regional enteritis).
• Do not take them if you have had repeated blood transfusions, have haemolytic anaemia (anaemia caused by destruction of red blood cells), or are already being treated with iron supplements.
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist first if you have had a gastrectomy, have a history of stomach ulcer, or have diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, iron overload or intestinal strictures.
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist first if you also have a vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency, or have difficulty swallowing.
• Swallow tablets whole with water. Sucking, chewing or keeping a tablet in the mouth risks mouth ulceration and tooth discolouration.
• If you choke on a tablet, contact your doctor as soon as possible, even if the choking happened days or months ago. A tablet that enters the airways can cause ulcers and narrowing of the bronchus, with persistent coughing, coughing up blood or breathlessness.
• Leave two hours before or after taking these tablets when taking antacids and mineral supplements (such as calcium, magnesium, bicarbonates, carbonates, oxalates and phosphates), tetracycline, quinolone or chloramphenicol antibiotics, trientine, bisphosphonates or levothyroxine.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take zinc supplements, penicillamine, medicines for Parkinson's disease (such as co-careldopa, entacapone or levodopa), methyldopa, colestyramine, dimercaprol or mycophenolate mofetil, as these can affect or be affected by iron tablets.
• If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy only take it if your doctor has specifically recommended it.
• Not recommended for children and adolescents.
• In case of overdose, contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital casualty department immediately, taking the leaflet with you. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and vomiting blood.

Like all medicines, ferrous sulphate tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following have been reported:

• Upset stomach
• Stomach pain
• Feeling or being sick
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Darkening of stools
• Loss of appetite

A few people may develop an allergic reaction. If you have a rash, itching or difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediately.

Side effects of unknown frequency relate mainly to incorrect use. Tablets that are chewed, sucked or left in the mouth can cause mouth ulceration. Elderly patients and those with difficulty swallowing may be at risk of ulceration of the throat or gullet. If a tablet enters the airways, there is a risk of ulceration and narrowing of the bronchus. Irritation and ulceration of the gullet can also occur if a tablet becomes stuck, so take it with water. Taking the medicine for longer than you should increases the risk of tooth decay and infections.

This list is not complete. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any side effect, or report it through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.