Iron polysaccharide

Iron polysaccharide is a type of iron. Iron is necessary for many functions in the body, particularly for carrying oxygen in the blood.

Iron polysaccharide is used to prevent and treat iron deficiencies and iron deficiency anemia.

Iron polysaccharide is not for use as a general dietary supplement in people who have normal iron levels.

Iron polysaccharide may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Take iron polysaccharide on an empty stomach for the best results. If you experience stomach upset, take the medicine with food or after a meal.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

You will need frequent medical tests.

Do not use iron polysaccharide to treat iron deficiency anemia without your doctor's advice. Every person with anemia should remain under the care of a doctor.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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

You should not take iron polysaccharide if you have hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, or hemolytic anemia.

Keep iron polysaccharide away from children. An accidental overdose of iron by a child can be fatal.

You should not take iron polysaccharide if you have:

• hemochromatosis;
• hemosiderosis; or
• hemolytic anemia.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your dose may need to change during pregnancy or while you are nursing.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Iron polysaccharide may lead to serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• bloody or tarry stools; or
• severe stomach pain or cramps.

Common side effects of iron polysaccharide may include:

• constipation, diarrhea;
• nausea, upset stomach;
• black or dark-colored stools; or
• temporary staining of the teeth.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation:

50 mg elemental iron oral capsules: 1 capsule orally once a day US Recommended Dietary Intake (RDA) for elemental iron:Male, 18 years: 11 mg dailyMale, 19 years and older: 8 mg dailyFemale, 18 years: 15 mg dailyFemale, 19 to 50 years: 18 mg dailyFemale, 51 years and older: 8 mg dailyTolerable Upper Intake Level (all genders): 45 mg Comments:-Recommended dietary allowances for vegetarians are 1.8 times higher than for meat eaters, as iron from meat is more bioavailable than from plant-based foods.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation:

15 mg elemental iron/mL:4 years and younger: 15 mg (1 mL) orally once a day 50 mg elemental iron oral capsules:12 years and older: 1 capsule orally once a day US Recommended Dietary Intake (RDA) for elemental iron:0 to 6 months (adequate intake): 0.27 mg per day7 to 12 months: 11 mg per day1 to 3 years: 7 mg per day4 to 8 years: 10 mg per day9 to 13 years: 8 mg per day14 to 18 years, male: 11 mg per day14 to 18 years, female: 15 mg per dayTolerable Upper Intake Level (all genders), up to 13 years: 40 mg Tolerable Upper Intake Level (all genders), 14 years and older: 45 mg Comments:-Recommended dietary allowances for vegetarians are 1.8 times higher than for meat eaters, as iron from meat is more bioavailable than from plant-based foods.

Take the medicine as soon as you remember, but skip the missed dose if it is close to the time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Taking too much iron polysaccharide can be deadly, especially for children.

Symptoms of an overdose may include feeling very tired, having a fever, vomiting, stomach pain, dark stools, a weak pulse, a fast heartbeat, or seizures (convulsions).

For at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking iron polysaccharide, do not eat or drink:

• milk or other dairy products;
• high-fiber foods (such as whole grains, raw vegetables, or bran);
• coffee, tea;
• cola, chocolate; or
• energy drinks, or other sources of caffeine.

Some medicines can make iron polysaccharide much less effective when taken at the same time. If you take any of the following medicines, take your iron polysaccharide dose 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take the other medicine:

• an antacid;
• an antibiotic;
• medicine to treat Parkinson's disease; or
• thyroid medication.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect iron polysaccharide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.