Ferrous Gluconate (Iron tablets) is an over the counter medication used to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia (a lack of red blood cells caused by having too little iron in the body). Ferrous gluconate is a type of iron. You normally get iron from the foods you eat. In your body, iron becomes a part of your hemoglobin and myoglobin. Hemoglobin carries oxygen through your blood to tissues and organs. Myoglobin helps your muscle cells store oxygen. Ferrous Gluconate helps to supplement and restore your iron levels in your body. Ferrous Gluconate may be only a part of a complete program of treatment that also includes a special diet. Follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor.

Manufacturer Information

Common side effects of Ferrous Gluconate may include constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, green-coloured stools, or temporary staining of the teeth.

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice more serious side effects such as:
• A fever;
• Black or tarry stools;
• Bright red blood in your stools;
• Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• Pain in your chest or throat when swallowing a Ferrous Gluconate tablet;
• Stomach pain

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you notice any other side effects not listed here, please contact your doctor or pharmacist.

You should not use Ferrous Gluconate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• Hemolytic anemia (caused by the breakdown of red blood cells);
• Iron overload disorder (hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis)

To make sure Ferrous Gluconate is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had ulcerative colitis, stomach ulcers or similar stomach problems, thalassemia (a genetic disorder or red blood cells), or if you receive regular blood transfusions. Ask your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing. Ferrous Gluconate is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Avoid taking antacids or antibiotics within 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Ferrous Gluconate, as it can make it harder for your body to absorb the medication. This is especially important if you also take ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, lomefloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, or demeclocycline, doxycycline, minocycline, or tetracycline. Certain foods can also make it harder for your body to absorb Ferrous Gluconate. Avoid taking this medication within 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating fish, meat, liver, and whole grain or “fortified” breads or cereals. Ferrous Gluconate may interact with several medications, especially dimercaprol and dolutegravir. This is not a complete list of interactions, and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are currently taking or have recently taken in order to reduce the risk of any possible interactions.

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