Ferrograd 325mg Prolonged Release Tablets are an iron supplement used for the prevention and treatment of iron-deficiency anaemia in adults and children aged 12 years and over.

Each prolonged release, film-coated tablet contains 325 mg dried ferrous sulfate, equivalent to 105 mg elemental iron. Ferrograd uses the Gradumet prolonged release formulation, which releases iron gradually through the gastrointestinal tract.

The usual dose for adults, including older people, and children aged 12 years and over is one tablet once daily. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and must not be sucked, chewed or kept in the mouth.

Ferrograd is a pharmacy medicine. A pharmacist can provide advice about its appropriate use where required.

Patient Information Leaflet

Main ingredients: Dried ferrous sulfate 325 mg per tablet, equivalent to 105 mg elemental iron. Excipients: Methylacrylate methylmethacrylate copolymer, lactose, povidone, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, sodium saccharin, triethyl citrate, sorbitan monooleate, castor oil, titanium dioxide, Red FD&C No.3 (E127), Yellow FD&C No.6 (E110).

Ferrograd is used for the prevention and treatment of iron-deficiency anaemia.

Adults, including older people: Take one tablet once daily.

Children aged 12 years and over: Take one tablet once daily, as for adults.

Children under 12 years: Ferrograd is not recommended.

Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not suck, chew or keep the tablet in your mouth, as this can cause mouth ulceration and tooth discolouration.

Ferrograd is preferably taken before food. If this causes gastrointestinal discomfort, it may be taken during a meal depending on tolerance.

Tea, coffee, eggs, milk and milk products, wholegrain bread and cereals, and high-fibre foods can reduce iron absorption. Take Ferrograd at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after these foods and drinks.

Do not take more than one tablet in a day.

If you forget a dose for one or more days, continue with one tablet each day when you remember. Do not take extra tablets to make up for missed doses.

There is no fixed maximum treatment duration stated in the Patient Information Leaflet. Use Ferrograd for the duration advised by your doctor or pharmacist. The SmPC states that, once haemoglobin has returned to normal, continuing iron therapy for 3 months can help replenish the body's iron stores.

Do not take Ferrograd if:

• You have an intestinal blockage.
• You have diverticular disease of the bowel.
• You have haemochromatosis or haemosiderosis.
• You are receiving repeated blood transfusions.
• You are already being treated with iron injections.
• You are already taking other medicines containing iron.

Ferrograd is not recommended for children under 12 years of age. Iron overdose can be particularly dangerous in children and may be fatal. Keep this medicine out of the reach and sight of children.

Speak to your doctor before taking Ferrograd if you have difficulty swallowing or have a bowel stricture that causes delayed or difficult intestinal transit.

Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not suck, chew or keep it in your mouth. Incorrect administration can cause mouth ulceration and tooth discolouration.

If a tablet accidentally enters the airway, it can cause ulceration and narrowing of the bronchus. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you choke on a tablet, particularly if you subsequently develop persistent coughing, cough up blood or become short of breath.

Your stools may become black while taking Ferrograd. This can interfere with some tests used to detect blood in the stools, so tell your doctor if you are having such a test.

Ferrograd may interact with other medicines, including tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics, chloramphenicol, penicillamine, antacids and other indigestion remedies, calcium supplements, zinc-containing medicines and trientine.

If these medicines are being used alongside Ferrograd:

• Take tetracycline antibiotics at least 2 hours before or 3 hours after Ferrograd.
• Take quinolone antibiotics and penicillamine at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after Ferrograd.
• Take antacids, calcium supplements, oxalates or phosphates at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after Ferrograd.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking Ferrograd. The SmPC states that Ferrograd tablets are inappropriate for use during pregnancy because they do not contain folic acid.

Ferrograd has no influence on the ability to drive or use machines.

Ferrograd contains lactose. If you have been told that you have an intolerance to some sugars, speak to your doctor before taking this medicine.

The colouring agent Yellow FD&C No.6 (E110) may cause allergic reactions.

Overdose can be serious and may be fatal, particularly in children. If you or someone else takes too many tablets, or you think a child may have swallowed Ferrograd, contact the nearest hospital or a doctor immediately. Symptoms of overdose can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and blood loss in the stools. Low blood pressure, reduced consciousness or coma and liver failure may occur later.