Effects of Iron Supplements

Iron supplements are given for low blood iron levels, a condition known as anemia, or to pregnant women to replenish iron stores depleted by the fetus. While persons who have overall good health don't experience serious effects, there are side effects to taking iron if the supplement is not taken properly.

General Effects

• Iron (femiron, feosol, fer-in-sol) usually has gastrointestinal side effects. These can occur in anyone who takes the supplement. These effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, dark-colored stools and other stomach distress.

  The gastrointestinal effects usually occur only when the body is getting used to the supplement. The body will adapt to the medicine in a few days. It is important to know that the dark-colored stools are due to unabsorbed iron and are not harmful to the body.

When to Call the Doctor

• Overdose of iron supplements is very serious. Overdose of iron supplements requires immediate contact of a doctor. Signs of overdose include bluish-colored lips, fingernails or palms of hands, as well as green diarrhea or tarry stools. Convulsions or seizures, drowsiness, pale clammy skin, shallow and rapid breathing and unusual tiredness or weakness also can be signs of an overdose of iron supplements and require instant medical attention. A late sign of iron supplement overdose is a weak and fast heartbeat.

  If for any reason an iron overdose is suspected, contact the poison control center or visit the nearest emergency immediately. The U.S. national poison hotline number is 1-800-222-1222.

Liquid Iron

• Liquid iron is taken if iron supplements pill forms cannot be swallowed. Liquid iron may also be given to children. The downside of liquid iron is that it stains teeth. The remedy for staining from liquid iron is to mix the dosage with water, juice or tomato juice. If the liquid iron does stain the teeth, it can be removed by brushing your teeth with baking soda or peroxide.

Iron Poisoning

• Iron poisoning is mainly found in children under six years of age or children whose mother took too many iron supplements during pregnancy. For this reason an expectant mother should always consult a doctor before taking any form of iron supplement. Also, it is very important to keep iron supplements out the reach of children to prevent fatal iron poisoning. If iron poisoning does occur in children, visit the local emergency room immediately or contact the poison control center.

Other Conditions and Iron Supplements

• Do not take iron supplements before having a thorough consultation with your doctor if you have ulcers, colitis or intestinal disease. Remember that eggs and cheese decrease iron absorption, so be cautious about eating these products at the time of taking your daily dosage. Also, if coffee or tea is drunk one hour after eating, iron absorption can decrease.

Other Drugs and Iron Supplements

• Be sure let the doctor know all of the medications you are taking, both prescription or nonprescription. Chloramphenicol, penicillamine, methyldopa, levodopa, cimetidine and antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin are all drugs your doctor needs to know about before you begin taking iron supplements. Over-the-counter drugs like antacids should not be taken until two hours after iron supplement dose. Do not start or stop taking any medication without the approval from your doctor.

Use Iron Supplements Properly

• Use the medication properly. First, store iron supplements at 59 to 86 degrees. Keep them away from sunlight and moisture. Do not keep them in the bathroom, and do not freeze liquid iron.

  It is important to follow the dosage instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist. Iron supplements are best taken on an empty stomach one to two hours after eating. Take supplements with a full glass of water. Do not crush or chew iron supplements. It is best not to lie down for 30 minutes after taking iron supplements. If the iron irritates your stomach, it is okay to take it with food and a full glass of water.