Folic Acid + Iron

Dosage Forms Available

• Folic Acid + Iron is available for oral use in the form of tablets, capsules, syrups, and drops.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• The use of Folic Acid + Iron may vary depending on age and health condition. In children, it should be used only as advised by a doctor.

Contraindications

• Folic Acid + Iron is contraindicated in people with a known allergy to folic acid or iron. It should also not be used in people with iron overload disorders such as haemochromatosis or haemosiderosis, and people with certain types of anaemia that are not caused by iron deficiency should not use it without medical advice.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Folic Acid + Iron may interact with antiepileptic medicines such as phenytoin and carbamazepine, cholestyramine, and some antibiotics such as tetracyclines and norfloxacin. Iron can reduce the absorption of some antibiotics, so consult your doctor or pharmacist about the appropriate time interval if you are taking these medicines.

Overdose and Missed Dose

• Taking an excessive amount of Folic Acid + Iron may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps. Severe iron overdose can cause organ damage and may be life-threatening, particularly in children.
• If you miss a dose of Folic Acid + Iron, take it when you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary, generally harmless and resolve after discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• To help manage digestive side effects such as nausea and constipation, Folic Acid + Iron may be taken with a small amount of food if permitted according to your doctor's or the product's instructions.
• If liquid iron causes temporary staining of the teeth, using a straw and rinsing the mouth afterward may help reduce contact with the teeth.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Folic Acid + Iron does not generally affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you feel dizzy or faint after taking it, avoid such activities until you feel well enough.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Folic Acid + Iron should be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding as advised by a doctor. During pregnancy, iron and folic acid supplementation helps prevent or reduce maternal iron deficiency and anaemia, while folic acid taken before conception and during early pregnancy helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects.

Caution in Other Conditions

• In people with peptic ulcer disease or inflammatory bowel conditions like regional enteritis or ulcerative colitis, caution should be exercised when using Folic Acid + Iron.

• Also, those with certain types of anaemia not caused by iron deficiency should use this supplement with caution.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Incorporate iron-rich foods like leafy green vegetables, lean meats, lentils, dried beans and peas into your diet.

• Include foods rich in Vitamin C like citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers which help increase iron absorption.

• Regularly monitor your haemoglobin levels and iron status as advised by your doctor.