Ferrous sulfate + Folic acid

Also sold as: Fefol, Ferrograd Folic

No prescription neededVitamins and minerals

Comes as:TabletCapsule

Usual adult dose

Vitamins and minerals

Ferrous sulfate + Folic acid

Also sold as: Fefol, Ferrograd Folic

No prescription neededVitamins and minerals

Comes as:TabletCapsule

Usual adult dose

Usual dose in pregnancy: one tablet (about 60 mg iron with 400 micrograms folic acid) once a day throughout pregnancy and for 3 months after birth, or as advised by your doctor or midwife.

Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.

Side effects

Common

nausea
stomach pain
constipation
black stools

Serious — get help

Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:

severe allergic reaction
vomiting blood
a child swallowing many tablets (emergency)

Do not take it, or take care, if

Anaemia not caused by lack of iron (for example thalassaemia), unless a doctor advises
Iron overload or repeated blood transfusions
Keep out of reach of children — iron overdose is dangerous

Interactions

Medicines that can react with this one.

Moderate3 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Ciprofloxacin
Iron reduces absorption of ciprofloxacin; take the antibiotic 2 hours before or 6 hours after iron.
Doxycycline
Iron and doxycycline bind together in the gut; take them at least 2 to 3 hours apart.
Levothyroxine
Iron reduces absorption of levothyroxine; take them at least 4 hours apart.

Minor1 medicineUsually not a problem, but tell your doctor.

Calcium carbonate
Calcium reduces iron absorption; take them at least 2 hours apart.