Precautions
Oral iron preparations may aggravate existing peptic ulcer, regional enteritis and ulcerative colitis.
Iron compounds taken orally can impair the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics. Antacids given concomitantly with iron compounds decrease iron absorption. When iron drops or syrup are given to babies some darkening of the teeth may occur. This is not serious and may be removed by rubbing the teeth with baking soda.
It is very important that the appropriate dose is given as there is enough iron in the entire bottle of Fer-in-Sol to seriously harm a child. Dose should be recommended and monitored by the physician depending on iron requirements. If a child has ingested enough iron to cause toxicity, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea will usually result.
Supplied
Each 1.0 mL of liquid contains: ferrous sulfate 75 mg (equivalent to 15 mg elemental iron). Nonmedicinal ingredients: artificial flavouring, citric acid anhydrous, ethyl alcohol, purified water, sodium bisulfite, sorbitol solution and sugar. Alcohol: 0.16%. Bottles of 50 mL with calibrated dropper.
Each 5 mL of syrup contains: ferrous sulfate 150 mg (equivalent to 30 mg elemental iron). Each teaspoonful contains 5 mL. Nonmedicinal ingredients: artificial flavouring, citric acid anhydrous, purified water, sodium bisulfite, sodium chloride, sorbitol solution, sugar and sulfuric acid. Alcohol-free. Bottles of 250 mL.
All bottles have child-resistant closures and are safety sealed.
Contraindications
Hemosiderosis, hemochromatosis, hemolytic anemia.
Adverse Effects
Mild gastrointestinal upsets may rarely occur in iron-sensitive patients.
Indications
For iron supplementation and treatment of iron deficiency.
Dosage
Drops: Children 0 to 2 years: Supplementation Dose: 0.5 to 1 mL daily or as directed. Therapeutic Dose: 5 mL or as directed by your physician. Divide into 3 doses and administer between meals, mixed with water or fruit juice.
Syrup: For prevention of iron deficiency (administer once daily), or as directed by physician. Children 0 to 6 yrs: 1.25 mL; 6 to 12 yrs: 2.5 mL; adults: 5 mL. For treatment of iron deficiency, divide into 3 doses and administer between meals, mixed with water or fruit juice, or as directed by physician. Children 0 to 2 years: 2.5 to 5 mL; 2 to 6 years: 5 mL; 6 to 12 years: 5 to 12 mL; adults: 10 to 15 mL.
Overdose
For management of a suspected drug overdose, CPhA recommends that you contact your regional Poison Control Centre. See the eCPS Directories section for a list of Poison Control Centres.
