King Tonic (strength format, check dosage form)

Who is this for?

Ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement that works by replacing iron your body needs to produce healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen around your body.

Is Ferrous safe to take with another drug?

For adults, the usual dose is one 200mg tablet two to three times daily. It is best taken on an empty stomach — about 1 hour before food or 2 hours after eating — with a glass of water or orange juice (vitamin C helps your body absorb the iron better). If it upsets your stomach, you can take it with a small meal. Do not take it with tea, coffee, or milk as these reduce absorption.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue as normal. Do not take two doses at once to make up for it.

• Dark or black-coloured stool (this is normal and harmless)
• constipation or difficulty passing stool
• stomach pain or cramps
• nausea or feeling like vomiting
• diarrhoea in some people

Avoid taking ferrous sulfate with tetracycline or ciprofloxacin antibiotics — iron reduces how well they work; separate them by at least 2 hours. Antacids like magnesium trisilicate reduce iron absorption, so take them at different times. Tea, coffee, and milk block iron absorption — avoid drinking these within 1–2 hours of taking your iron tablet.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid storing near windows or in cars. Keep the container tightly closed to protect from humidity. Keep far away from children — iron overdose in children can be very dangerous and even fatal.