Ferrous sulfate is a type of iron that is used as a medicine to treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia. Iron is an essential mineral that helps the body to make healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. Ferrous sulfate is available as tablets or drops that you swallow, and it is available on prescription and to buy from pharmacies.
Some things such as blood loss, pregnancy, or too little iron in your diet can make your iron supply drop too low, leading to anemia. Ferrous sulfate works best when you take it on an empty stomach. If you can, take it 30 minutes before eating, or 2 hours after eating. But if it upsets your stomach, you can take it with or after food. Most people begin to feel better after taking ferrous sulfate for 3 to 4 weeks, but it may take up to 2 to 4 months to work fully.
Common side effects of ferrous sulfate include feeling or being sick, constipation, and diarrhea. You may need to leave a gap between taking ferrous sulfate and your other medicines, and you should leave a 2-hour gap before having tea or coffee, dairy products, or eggs because they can stop your body from absorbing iron. Your doctor or pharmacist may recommend taking ferrous sulfate with orange juice or a vitamin C supplement to help your body absorb the iron.
