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Iron Supplement (Oral)

Ferrous Sulphate

Brand names: Ferrograd (200mg), Ironorm Drops, Sytron (ferrous fumarate liquid)

Ferrous sulphate is an oral iron salt used to treat iron-deficiency anaemia.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

US labelling (FDA)

Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK

Adults and children: At the onset of symptoms, dissolve 5 pellets under the tongue 3 times a day until symptoms are relieved or as directed by a doctor.

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2025-07-21. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It provides elemental iron for haemoglobin synthesis, correcting iron-deficiency anaemia.

Prescribing in practice

  • Gastrointestinal effects (nausea, constipation, dark stools) are common and dose-related; a lower dose or alternate-day dosing can improve tolerance and may improve absorption.
  • Absorption is reduced by tea, calcium, antacids and some other drugs — separate their timing.
  • Continue treatment for a period after the haemoglobin normalises to replenish iron stores, and investigate the underlying cause.

Monitoring

Monitor haemoglobin and iron stores (ferritin) to confirm response; investigate the cause of the deficiency.

Counselling the patient

  • Stools may turn black, which is harmless.
  • Taking it with a source of vitamin C (e.g. orange juice) aids absorption; avoid taking it with tea or coffee.
  • Keep iron away from children — overdose is dangerous.

Evidence & guidelines

Oral iron is first-line for iron-deficiency anaemia; lower-dose or alternate-day regimens are increasingly preferred for tolerability and absorption.

Reference: NICE NG24 (Anaemia in CKD); BSH Guidelines on Iron Deficiency Anaemia; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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