How and when to take ferrous fumarate - Brand names: Fersamal, Galfer

If you or your child are prescribed ferrous fumarate, follow your doctor's instructions about how and when to take it.

If you buy ferrous fumarate from a pharmacy, follow the instructions that come with the packet.

Dosage and strength

Ferrous fumarate tablets come in 2 strengths: 210mg and 322mg.

Ferrous fumarate capsules are 305mg.

Liquid ferrous fumarate contains 140mg in each 5ml spoonful (140mg/5ml).

Your dose depends on why you're taking it and whether you take tablets, capsules or liquid.

Dose to treat anaemia

The usual dose of ferrous fumarate for adults and children aged 12 years and over is:

• 210mg tablets – 1 tablet, taken 1 to 3 times a day
• 322mg tablets – 1 tablet, taken 1 or 2 times a day
• 305mg capsules – 1 capsule, taken 1 or 2 times a day
• liquid (140mg/5ml) – one or two 5ml spoonfuls, taken 1 or 2 times a day

If you get side effects your doctor may advise you to reduce your dose by taking it on alternate days.

For children under 12 years, a doctor will use your child's age or weight to work out the right dose.

Dose to prevent anaemia

The usual dose of ferrous fumarate for adults and children aged 12 years and over is:

• 210mg tablets – 1 tablet, taken 1 or 2 times a day
• 322mg tablets – 1 tablet, taken once a day
• 305mg capsules – 1 capsule, taken once a day
• liquid (140mg/5ml) – one 5ml spoonful, taken 1 or 2 times a day, or two 5ml spoonfuls taken once a day

If you get side effects your doctor may advise you to reduce your dose by taking it on alternate days.

For children under 12 years, the doctor will use your child's age or weight to work out the right dose.

How to take it

Ferrous fumarate works best when you take it on an empty stomach. If you can, take it at least an hour before eating, and 2 hours after eating. But if it upsets your stomach, you can take it with or just after food.

Your doctor (or a pharmacist) may recommend taking ferrous fumarate with orange juice or a vitamin C supplement. Vitamin C is believed to increase the amount of iron absorbed by the body.

Swallow tablets or capsules with a drink of water or juice only. Do not take them with milk, as milk stops the iron getting into your system.

The liquid may be easier for children and people who find it difficult to swallow tablets or capsules.

If you're taking ferrous fumarate as a liquid, it will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure the right dose. If you do not have one, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.

Ferrous fumarate is not harmful if it has been prescribed for your child and you follow your doctor's instructions, or the instructions on the packet.

How long to take it for

To prevent iron deficiency anaemia, you'll need to take ferrous fumarate for as long as you're at risk of getting this condition.

To treat iron deficiency anaemia, you'll need to take it for several months. Your doctor will usually advise you to keep taking it for 3 to 6 months after your condition has improved to help build up your body's iron supply.

If you forget to take it

If you forget a dose of ferrous fumarate and you usually take it:

• once a day – take it as soon as you remember, unless it's less than 12 hours until your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time
• 2 times a day – if you remember within 4 hours of your missed dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you remember more than 4 hours after your missed dose, skip the missed dose and then take your next one at the usual time
• 3 times a day – skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask a pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

If you take too much

Taking more than the recommended dose of ferrous fumarate can cause vomiting, stomach pain or diarrhoea.

In serious cases you may vomit blood, bleed from your bottom, have a seizure or fit, or become unconscious.