iron polysaccharide

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

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

Iron polysaccharide 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.

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

Iron polysaccharide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Do not take iron polysaccharide if you have

• hemochromatosis,
• hemosiderosis, or
• hemolytic anemia.

Iron polysaccharide 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 iron polysaccharide. Generally, iron polysaccharide should not be taken chronically by individuals with a normal iron balance.

Talk to your doctor before taking iron polysaccharide if you are pregnant.

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

Take iron polysaccharide 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.

Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure you get the correct dose, use a dose-measuring cup or spoon, not a regular table spoon to measure the dose. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Mix the liquid forms of iron polysaccharide with water, juice, or another beverage as directed and drink the mixture through a straw to prevent staining of the teeth.

Take iron polysaccharide on an empty stomach for best results. If stomach upset occurs, take iron polysaccharide with food or following a meal.

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

Store iron polysaccharide 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.

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

Seek emergency medical attention.

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

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

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

If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop taking iron polysaccharide and seek emergency medical attention.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue taking iron polysaccharide and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience

• stomach upset,
• nausea or vomiting,
• constipation,
• diarrhea,
• black or darker than normal appearing stools, or
• temporary staining of the teeth.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur with iron polysaccharide. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Do not take iron polysaccharide within 2 hours of a dose of any of the following medicines

• a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Achromycin, Sumycin), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox), demeclocycline (Declomycin), oxytetracycline (Terramycin), or troleandomycin (TAO);
• a fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex) ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), grepafloxacin (Raxar), sparfloxacin (Zagam), or trovafloxacin (Trovan);
• levodopa (Larodopa, Dopar, Sinemet);
• levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl, others);
• methyldopa (Aldomet); or
• penicillamine (Cuprimine).

Iron polysaccharide may decrease the absorption of the drugs listed above.

Do not take antacids within 2 hours of a dose of iron polysaccharide. Antacids may decrease the absorption of iron polysaccharide.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with iron polysaccharide. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines while taking iron polysaccharide.

Your pharmacist has additional information about iron polysaccharide written for health professionals that you may read.

Iron polysaccharide is available over-the-counter generically and under several brand names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.