Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

After you start using this dietary supplement, continue to return to your health care professional to see if you are benefiting from the iron. Some blood tests may be necessary for this.

Iron is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, with water or fruit juice (adults: full glass or 8 ounces; children: ½ glass or 4 ounces), about 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. However, to lessen the possibility of stomach upset, iron may be taken with food or immediately after meals.

For safe and effective use of iron supplements:

  • Follow your health care professional's instructions if this dietary supplement was prescribed.
  • Follow the manufacturer's package directions if you are treating yourself. If you think you still need iron after taking it for 1 or 2 months, check with your health care professional.

Liquid forms of iron supplement tend to stain the teeth. To prevent, reduce, or remove these stains:

  • Mix each dose in water, fruit juice, or tomato juice. You may use a drinking tube or straw to help keep the iron supplement from getting on the teeth.
  • When doses of liquid iron supplement are to be given by dropper, the dose may be placed well back on the tongue and followed with water or juice.
  • Iron stains on teeth can usually be removed by brushing with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) or medicinal peroxide (hydrogen peroxide 3%).

Dosing

The dose medicines in this class will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage forms (capsules, tablets, oral solution):
    • To prevent deficiency, the amount taken by mouth is based on normal daily recommended intakes:

      For the U.S.

      • Adult and teenage males—10 milligrams (mg) per day.
      • Adult and teenage females—10 to 15 mg per day.
      • Pregnant females—30 mg per day.
      • Breast-feeding females—15 mg per day.
      • Children 7 to 10 years of age—10 mg per day.
      • Children 4 to 6 years of age—10 mg per day.
      • Children birth to 3 years of age—6 to 10 mg per day.

      For Canada

      • Adult and teenage males—8 to 10 mg per day.
      • Adult and teenage females—8 to 13 mg per day.
      • Pregnant females—17 to 22 mg per day.
      • Breast-feeding females—8 to 13 mg per day.
      • Children 7 to 10 years of age—8 to 10 mg per day.
      • Children 4 to 6 years of age—8 mg per day.
      • Children birth to 3 years of age—0.3 to 6 mg per day.
    • To treat deficiency:
      • Adults, teenagers, and children— The dose will be determined by your doctor, based on your condition.
  • For injection dosage forms:
    • Adults, teenagers, and children— The dose will be determined by your doctor, based on your condition.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

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