Ferrous fumarate
Also sold as: Galfer
No prescription neededVitamins and minerals
Comes as:TabletSyrup
Usual adult dose
Usual adult dose for iron deficiency: one 200 to 210 mg tablet (about 65 mg iron) once or twice a day, as advised by your doctor. Take with food if it upsets your stomach. Children: dose by weight — ask your doctor or pharmacist.
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