How do you take Ferrous sulfate?

For adults, the usual dose is one 200mg tablet two to three times daily. It is best taken on an empty stomach — about 1 hour before food or 2 hours after eating — with a glass of water or orange juice (vitamin C helps your body absorb the iron better). If it upsets your stomach, you can take it with a small meal. Do not take it with tea, coffee, or milk as these reduce absorption.

What are the side effects of Ferrous sulfate?

Dark or black-coloured stool (this is normal and harmless), constipation or difficulty passing stool, stomach pain or cramps, nausea or feeling like vomiting, diarrhoea in some people

Who should not take Ferrous sulfate?

People who are allergic to ferrous sulfate or any of its ingredients. People with conditions that cause iron overload such as sickle cell disease (unless a doctor prescribes it), haemochromatosis, or thalassaemia. People who have stomach ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease should consult a doctor before use. Do not give adult tablets to very young children — use syrup or drops instead.

OTC

Iron supplement

Ferrous sulfate

Q: What is Ferrous sulfate used for?

Iron deficiency anaemia (low blood level), prevention of low blood during pregnancy, tiredness and weakness caused by low iron, heavy menstrual bleeding-related blood loss

Last reviewed June 2026

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement that works by replacing iron your body needs to produce healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen around your body.

What is it used for?

Iron deficiency anaemia (low blood level)prevention of low blood during pregnancytiredness and weakness caused by low ironheavy menstrual bleeding-related blood loss

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Anaemia Pregnancy & Labour

How it works

Provides bioavailable ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) that is absorbed in the duodenum and proximal jejunum via divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), replenishing depleted iron stores and restoring oxygen-carrying capacity of haemoglobin and myoglobin.

Available Over The Counter

Get this from any pharmacy or chemist — no prescription needed.

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What to watch out for

Buy only from reputable pharmacies — brands like Fesulf, Agesulf, Reasulf, MeCure's Blood Tone, or Xential Ferrous Sulphate are trusted Nigerian brands. Keep iron tablets locked away from children as even a few tablets can cause serious poisoning in small children. Do not self-diagnose anaemia — if you feel weak or tired, see a doctor first to confirm you actually need iron before taking it long-term.

Common Side Effects

Dark or black-coloured stool (this is normal and harmless)
constipation or difficulty passing stool
stomach pain or cramps
nausea or feeling like vomiting
diarrhoea in some people

Serious Side Effects

Vomiting blood or blood in your stool — go to the hospital immediately. Severe stomach pain that does not go away. Signs of allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing
swelling of the face or throat — seek emergency help.

Drug Interactions

Avoid taking ferrous sulfate with tetracycline or ciprofloxacin antibiotics — iron reduces how well they work; separate them by at least 2 hours. Antacids like magnesium trisilicate reduce iron absorption, so take them at different times. Tea, coffee, and milk block iron absorption — avoid drinking these within 1–2 hours of taking your iron tablet.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Ferrous sulfate is generally safe and commonly recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding to prevent or treat anaemia — but always take it under the guidance of your doctor or midwife.

Who Should NOT Take This

People who are allergic to ferrous sulfate or any of its ingredients. People with conditions that cause iron overload such as sickle cell disease (unless a doctor prescribes it)
haemochromatosis
or thalassaemia. People who have stomach ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease should consult a doctor before use. Do not give adult tablets to very young children — use syrup or drops instead.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid storing near windows or in cars. Keep the container tightly closed to protect from humidity. Keep far away from children — iron overdose in children can be very dangerous and even fatal.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.