Carbonyl Iron
Carbonyl iron is a highly pure form of elemental iron (100% elemental iron by weight). It is used to prevent and treat iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. Unlike soluble iron salts (such as ferrous sulfate), carbonyl iron is absorbed more slowly in the stomach, which typically results in fewer gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, constipation, or abdominal pain.
Dosage by Body Weight
Take exactly as directed by your doctor or follow the package instructions. Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, usually 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. If stomach upset occurs, it may be taken with food. Avoid taking antacids, calcium supplements, dairy products, tea, or coffee within 2 hours before or after taking iron, as they can significantly decrease absorption. Co-administration with Vitamin C can enhance absorption.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Iron supplementation in infants under 5 kg must be strictly supervised and dosed by a pediatrician.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 15 mg to 35 mg daily of elemental iron
- Frequency
- Once daily or divided into two doses
- Tracking Notes
- Based on pediatric therapeutic dosing of 3-6 mg/kg/day. Prophylactic dosing is lower (typically 1-2 mg/kg/day). Seek pediatrician advice before initiating.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 24 mg to 50 mg daily of elemental iron
- Frequency
- Once daily or divided into two doses
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure child drinks plenty of water. Iron may cause stools to turn black or dark green, which is harmless.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 33 mg to 75 mg daily of elemental iron
- Frequency
- Once daily or divided into two doses
- Tracking Notes
- Keep medicine securely closed and out of reach of children. Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 48 mg to 100 mg daily of elemental iron
- Frequency
- Once daily or divided into two doses
- Tracking Notes
- Do not exceed the recommended dose. Liquid formulations may temporarily stain teeth; rinsing the mouth or brushing teeth after administration can help.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Iron supplementation in infants under 5 kg must be strictly supervised and dosed by a pediatrician. |
| 5-7 kg | 15 mg to 35 mg daily of elemental iron | Once daily or divided into two doses | Based on pediatric therapeutic dosing of 3-6 mg/kg/day. Prophylactic dosing is lower (typically 1-2 mg/kg/day). Seek pediatrician advice before initiating. |
| 8-10 kg | 24 mg to 50 mg daily of elemental iron | Once daily or divided into two doses | Ensure child drinks plenty of water. Iron may cause stools to turn black or dark green, which is harmless. |
| 11-15 kg | 33 mg to 75 mg daily of elemental iron | Once daily or divided into two doses | Keep medicine securely closed and out of reach of children. Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. |
| 16-20 kg | 48 mg to 100 mg daily of elemental iron | Once daily or divided into two doses | Do not exceed the recommended dose. Liquid formulations may temporarily stain teeth; rinsing the mouth or brushing teeth after administration can help. |
Formulation
Purpose
Prevention and treatment of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.
Generic Name
Carbonyl IronBranded Drug Names
Carbonyl Iron is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.