Vitafer-Fol
Vitafer-Fol Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Ferrous Sulphate has the general properties of iron salts and is one of the most widely used iron salts in the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia.
Ferrous sulfate facilitates O2 transport via haemoglobin. It is used as iron source as it replaces iron found in haemoglobin, myoglobin and other enzymes.
| Trade Name | Vitafer-Fol |
| Generic | Ferrous Sulfate |
| Type | |
| Therapeutic Class | Oral Iron preparations |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available Country | |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Vitafer-Fol is used for the treatment and prevention of iron deficiency anaemia and anaemia of pregnancy where routine administration of iron is necessary.
Dosage
Vitafer-Fol dosage
Adult-
- Initial therapeutic dose: 3-4½ teaspoonful daily in divided doses or as prescribed by the physician.
- Maintenance dose: 1½ teaspoonful daily, but if needed up to 1.8g (9 teaspoonful) daily can be given.
Children-
- Under 1 year: ¼ th teaspoonful thrice daily or as directed by physician
- 1-5 years: 1 teaspoonful thrice daily
- 6-12 years: 1½ teaspoonful twice daily.
Should be taken on an empty stomach. Best taken on an empty stomach. May be taken with meals to reduce GI discomfort. Mix with water or fruit juice to avoid temporary staining of teeth. Do not mix with milk.
Side Effects
GI irritation, abdominal pain and cramps, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, dark stool and discoloration of urine; heartburn.
Precaution
Should be administered with caution when given to patients with iron storage or iron absorption disease, haemoglobinopathies or existing gastrointestinal disease.
Interaction
Absorption of iron salt and Tetracycline is diminished when taken concomitantly by mouth. If treatment with both drugs is required iron salt should be given 3 hours before or 2 hours after Tetracycline. Absorption of iron is also decreased in the presence of antacids or when taken with tea.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Pregnancy Category- Not Classified. FDA has not yet classified the drug into a specified pregnancy category.
Contraindication
Iron therapy is contraindicated in haemachromatosis and haemosiderosis.It should not be given to patients receiving repeated blood transfusion or with anaemia not produced by iron deficiency.
Acute Overdose
Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea of green or tarry stools, haematemesis, seizures, drowsiness, metabolic acidosis, hepatic dysfunction, renal failure, coma.
Treatment: Empty stomach contents by gastric lavage. In severe toxicity, IV desferrioxamine may be given. Treatment is supportive. Haemodialysis is unlikely to be useful.
Innovators Monograph
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FAQ
What is a Vitafer-Fol used for?
Vitafer-Fol is a medicine used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anaemia. Iron helps the body to make healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. Some things such as blood loss, pregnancy or too little iron in your diet can make your iron supply drop too low, leading to anaemia. The Vitafer-Fol is used medically to treat iron deficiency, and also for industrial applications.
How does Vitafer-Fol work?
Vitafer-Fol work by replacing body iron. Vitafer-Fol is an iron supplement used to treat or prevent low blood levels of iron. Iron is an important mineral that the body needs to produce red blood cells and keep you in good health.
What are the common side effects of Vitafer-Fol?
Common side effects of Vitafer-Fol are include:
- feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting), stomach pain or heartburn.
- loss of appetite.
- constipation.
- diarrhoea.
- dark or black poo.
- black stained teeth (from the drops)
Is Vitafer-Fol safe during pregnancy?
Vitafer-Fol is usually safe to take Vitafer-Fol during pregnancy.
Is Vitafer-Fol safe during breastfeeding?
Vitafer-Fol is usually safe to breastfeed while taking Vitafer-Fol. However, some of the medicine may pass into your breast milk. This is in small amounts and is unlikely to harm your baby.
Can I drink alcohol with Vitafer-Fol?
You can drink alcohol while taking Vitafer-Fol.
Can I drive after taking Vitafer-Fol?
This Vitafer-Fol does not affect your ability to drive a car or operate machinery.
What is the best time to take Vitafer-Fol ?
Take Vitafer-Fol on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Avoid taking antacids or antibiotics within 2 hours before or after taking Vitafer-Fol. Vitafer-Fol is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet.
How many time can I take Vitafer-Fol daily?
Although the traditional dosage of Vitafer-Fol is 325 mg orally three times a day, lower doses may be as effective and cause fewer side effects.
Is it safe to take Vitafer-Fol everyday?
Oral iron supplements like Vitafer-Fol are an effective way to increase iron stores in the body, a person may need to take supplements every day for 2–5 months to bring their iron stores up to normal levels.
How long does Vitafer-Fol take to work?
Most people begin to feel better after around 1 week, but it may take up to 4 weeks for the medicine to have full effect.
What is the half life of Vitafer-Fol?
Vitafer-Fol can have a half-life of 12 hours or more after oral administration with high levels occurring in the plasma within 4 hours. Vitafer-Fol may be lost through the urine, bile and sweat although the body does recycle iron for reuse.
Can I take Vitafer-Fol long term?
It's safe to take Vitafer-Fol for as long as you need to, provided that your doctor has said it's safe and you are not having any side effects.
What happen If I stop taking Vitafer-Fol?
If you stop taking your iron tablets early or only take them infrequently, you may cause them not to work.
Who should not take Vitafer-Fol?
You should not take Vitafer-Fol if you have ever had:iron overload syndrome;a red blood cell disorder such as thalassemia; or a condition for which you receive regular blood transfusions.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
When should I not take Vitafer-Fol?
Certain foods can also make it harder for your body to absorb Vitafer-Fol. Avoid taking this medication within 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating fish, meat, liver, and whole grain or "fortified" breads or cereals.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention. Get emergency medical help if a child has accidentally swallowed a tablet. An overdose of iron can be fatal to a young child. Overdose symptoms may include severe vomiting, coughing up blood, bloody diarrhea, urinating less, thirst, dry skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, or fainting.
Will Vitafer-Fol affect my fertility?
Vitafer-Fol does seem to be a link between iron and fertility.
Can Vitafer-Fol affects my heart ?
Higher Vitafer-Fol may protect against heart disease, but it also can increase the risk of stroke. Most people don't need iron supplements unless recommended by a doctor.
Can Vitafer-Fol affect my kidneys?
The body needs iron to make hemoglobin so the red blood cells in the blood can carry oxygen to tissues and organs. Low iron is a factor in the anemia of chronic kidney disease.
Can Vitafer-Fol affects my liver?
Oral iron supplementation at typical replacement doses has little or no adverse effects on the liver or serum enzyme elevations.
