Iron supplement and vitamin (haematinic)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
This is a combination of iron and folic acid used to build up your blood. The iron (in a gentle form called iron polymaltose) helps your body make healthy red blood cells, while folic acid (a B vitamin) supports blood production and helps your body use the iron properly.
Replenishes iron stores by providing ferrous iron for haemoglobin synthesis and oxygen transport, while folic acid serves as an essential cofactor for DNA synthesis and red blood cell maturation via one-carbon transfer reactions.
Available Over The Counter
Get this from any pharmacy or chemist: no prescription needed.
Explore this drug
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed one and continue as normal. Do not take two doses at once to make up for the one you missed.
Buy only from trusted pharmacies; brands like Afrabron Tablets, Globak Chewable Tablets, and Globak Syrup are well known in Nigeria, so look out for them. Keep iron tablets and syrup far away from children, as iron overdose can be life-threatening for small children. Do not self-diagnose low blood. If you feel weak or tired often, see a doctor or go to a lab to confirm before starting iron supplements.
Avoid taking this drug at the same time as tetracycline or ciprofloxacin antibiotics; space them at least 2 hours apart, as iron reduces how well these antibiotics work. Antacids and calcium supplements can also reduce iron absorption, so take them at different times. Tea and coffee can reduce how much iron your body absorbs, so try not to drink them within 1-2 hours of taking your dose.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Iron with your other drugs?
This drug is commonly recommended and generally safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In fact, it is often prescribed to pregnant women in Nigeria to prevent low blood and support the baby's development.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Nigerian weather can be hot, so avoid leaving it on windowsills or in your car. Keep the container tightly closed to protect from humidity. Always keep out of reach of children, as iron overdose in children is very dangerous.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.