carbonyl iron Health Article

Generic name(s):

carbonyl iron

Brand name(s):

Elemental Iron, Feosol Caplet, Ferra-Cap

What is the most important information I should know about carbonyl iron?

Keep this medication out of the reach of children. An accidental overdose of iron by a child can be fatal.

Carbonyl iron may decrease the absorption of other medicines. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking carbonyl iron if you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

What is carbonyl iron?

Carbonyl iron is a form of the mineral iron. Iron is important for many functions in the body, especially for the transport of oxygen in the blood.

Carbonyl iron is used as a dietary supplement, and to prevent and to treat iron deficiencies and iron deficiency anemia.

Carbonyl iron may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take carbonyl iron?

Do not take carbonyl iron if you have

• hemochromatosis,

• hemosiderosis, or

• hemolytic anemia.

Carbonyl iron may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.

If you do not have an iron deficiency, talk to your doctor about the use of carbonyl iron. Generally, carbonyl iron should not be taken chronically by individuals with a normal iron balance.

Talk to your doctor before taking carbonyl iron if you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor before taking carbonyl iron if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take carbonyl iron?

Take carbonyl iron exactly as directed by your doctor, or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each tablet with a full glass of water. Take carbonyl iron on an empty stomach for best results. If stomach upset occurs, take carbonyl iron with food or following a meal.

Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of carbonyl iron with a dose measuring cup or spoon, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Carbonyl iron may decrease the absorption of other medicines. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking carbonyl iron if you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Store carbonyl iron at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication out of the reach of children. An accidental overdose of iron by a child can be fatal.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time to take next dose, skip the dose you missed and take the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a carbonyl iron overdose include decreased energy; nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain; tarry stools; a weak, rapid pulse; fever; coma; seizures; and death.

What should I avoid while taking carbonyl iron?

Keep this medication out of the reach of children. An accidental overdose of iron by a child can be fatal.

Carbonyl iron may decrease the absorption of other medicines. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking carbonyl iron if you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.