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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue taking carbonyl iron 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 carbonyl iron. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Do not take carbonyl iron 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).

Carbonyl iron may decrease the absorption of the drugs listed above.

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

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

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

Carbonyl iron 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.