Ferrous Sulfate
Ferrous sulfate is an essential mineral iron supplement. It replenishment iron levels in the body, aiding in the production of hemoglobin, which allows red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body.
Dosage by Body Weight
Take on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) with a full glass of water or orange juice to maximize absorption. If gastrointestinal upset occurs, it can be taken with food, though this may decrease absorption. Avoid taking within 2 hours of dairy products, calcium supplements, antacids, tea, or coffee.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Under 15 mg elemental iron daily (typically 0.5 to 1 mL of pediatric drops, customized by weight)
- Frequency
- Once daily or divided into 2 doses
- Tracking Notes
- Always consult a pediatrician before giving iron supplements to infants under 5 kg. Premature infants may have specific dosing requirements.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 15 to 21 mg of elemental iron daily
- Frequency
- Once daily or divided into 2 doses
- Tracking Notes
- Liquid forms can temporarily stain teeth. Mix with water or juice, or administer with a dropper to the back of the tongue, and rinse the mouth afterward.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 24 to 30 mg of elemental iron daily
- Frequency
- Once daily or divided into 2 doses
- Tracking Notes
- Monitor for dark-colored stools and potential constipation, which are common and harmless side effects of iron therapy.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 33 to 45 mg of elemental iron daily
- Frequency
- Once daily or divided into 2 doses
- Tracking Notes
- Keep out of reach of children. Iron overdose is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6 years of age.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 48 to 60 mg of elemental iron daily
- Frequency
- Once daily or divided into 2 doses
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure adequate fluid intake to help prevent constipation associated with iron supplementation.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Under 15 mg elemental iron daily (typically 0.5 to 1 mL of pediatric drops, customized by weight) | Once daily or divided into 2 doses | Always consult a pediatrician before giving iron supplements to infants under 5 kg. Premature infants may have specific dosing requirements. |
| 5-7 kg | 15 to 21 mg of elemental iron daily | Once daily or divided into 2 doses | Liquid forms can temporarily stain teeth. Mix with water or juice, or administer with a dropper to the back of the tongue, and rinse the mouth afterward. |
| 8-10 kg | 24 to 30 mg of elemental iron daily | Once daily or divided into 2 doses | Monitor for dark-colored stools and potential constipation, which are common and harmless side effects of iron therapy. |
| 11-15 kg | 33 to 45 mg of elemental iron daily | Once daily or divided into 2 doses | Keep out of reach of children. Iron overdose is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6 years of age. |
| 16-20 kg | 48 to 60 mg of elemental iron daily | Once daily or divided into 2 doses | Ensure adequate fluid intake to help prevent constipation associated with iron supplementation. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to treat or prevent iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia.
Generic Name
Ferrous SulfateBranded Drug Names
Ferrous Sulfate 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.