Elemental Iron
About Elemental Iron
Elemental Iron belongs to a class of haematinics, primarily used to treat iron deficiency and anaemia (deficiency of iron and haemoglobin). Iron deficiency occurs mainly due to poor diet, poor absorption of food or increased folate use in the body (during pregnancy). Anaemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells for carrying the adequate oxygen required to various body tissues.
Elemental Iron contains Elemental Iron, an essential body mineral. It is a nutritional supplement required by the red blood cells to carry oxygen to other body cells and tissues. By combining with a protein in the blood called haemoglobin, iron helps carry adequate oxygen to various body parts. Elemental Iron also has immunity-enhancing, anti-carcinogenic (preventing cancer), and cognition-enhancing properties.
Your doctor will decide the dosage based on your medical condition. In some cases, it may cause side effects like constipation, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, dark stools, loss of appetite, and upset stomach. Most of these side effects of Elemental Iron do not require any medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Elemental Iron or its inactive components, please inform your doctor. Brief your medical history to the doctor if you have any heart/kidney/liver diseases, iron overload disorders, and intestinal problems (ulcer, colitis) before starting Elemental Iron. Consult your doctor before taking Elemental Iron if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Drinking alcohol may affect iron absorption; therefore, it is advised to consult your doctor if you have any concerns. Iron supplements are safe to use in children only when suggested by a doctor.
Uses of Elemental Iron
• Treating Iron Deficiency Anaemia: Elemental Iron is used to treat iron deficiency anemia, a condition where the body doesn’t have enough iron to make red blood cells. This helps reduce tiredness and boosts energy.
• Raising Blood Hemoglobin Levels: Elemental Iron helps increase the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is needed to carry oxygen throughout the body, ensuring organs and tissues get enough oxygen.
• Increasing Energy Levels: Elemental Iron helps improve energy, especially in people who feel weak or tired due to low iron levels. This is helpful for athletes or people with busy lifestyles.
• Supporting the Immune System: Elemental Iron helps support the immune system, which helps the body fight infections. Elemental iron tablets can boost immunity, especially during cold and flu season.
• Nutritional Supplement: For people who need more iron, like pregnant women or those on specific diets, elemental iron tablets are a great way to get extra iron.
Medicinal Benefits
Elemental Iron is used to treat iron deficiency and anaemia (deficiency of red blood cells and haemoglobin). It contains Elemental Iron, an essential body mineral required by the red blood cells to carry oxygen to other body cells and tissues. By combining with a protein in the blood called haemoglobin, iron helps carry adequate oxygen to various body parts. Iron is used as a major nutritional supplement during pregnancy to reduce the risk of iron deficiency and anaemia. Elemental Iron also has immunity-enhancing, anti-carcinogenic (preventing cancer), and cognition-enhancing properties.
Directions for Use
- Elemental Iron can be taken with or without food or as advised by the doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Swallow Elemental Iron as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not chew, crush or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Elemental Iron
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
- Dark stools
- Loss of appetite
- Upset stomach
Drug Warnings
Do not take Elemental Iron if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, have blood in your urine, suffer from iron overload conditions (like haemosiderosis or haemochromatosis), have an active stomach ulcer, or have inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis. It should also be avoided if you’ve had repeated blood transfusions, suffer from haemolytic anaemia, or are already using iron supplements. Inform your doctor if you’ve had a gastrectomy (surgery to remove part or all of the stomach), have a history of stomach ulcers, diabetes, diverticular disease (digestive conditions), or intestinal strictures. Do not consume alcohol while using this medication, as it can affect iron absorption. Elemental Iron should not be used in children unless advised by a doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this medicine. The tablets should be swallowed whole with water to avoid mouth ulcers and tooth discolouration. If you have difficulty swallowing, speak to your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Elemental Iron may interact with Certain medications used to treat anaemia caused by chronic kidney disease (e.g. vadadustat), HIV medications (e.g. cabotegravir, dolutegravir), and the chelating class of drugs (e.g. dimercaprol).
Drug-Food Interactions: Elemental Iron should not be taken with alcohol, dairy products, and eggs, as it might affect iron absorption in the body.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Elemental Iron should be used cautiously in heart, liver, or kidney diseases, haemoglobin disorders, iron overload disorders, and intestinal problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionDrinking alcohol may affect iron absorption; therefore, it is advised to consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
safe if suggestedElemental Iron is safe to use if suggested by a doctor during pregnancy. Elemental Iron is generally given at least four weeks before pregnancy and is continued up to 3 months of pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionElemental Iron can pass into the breast milk. Hence, inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking Elemental Iron. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
safe if suggestedElemental Iron does not affect your ability to drive or operate any machinery. If you notice any side effects that affect your mental ability while using Elemental Iron, please consult your doctor.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have liver problems, consult your doctor before taking Elemental Iron.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have kidney disease, consult your doctor before taking Elemental Iron.
Children
safe if suggestedIron supplements are safe to use in children only when suggested by a doctor. The doctor will prescribe the dosage based on the child's age and weight.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Include red meat, pork, poultry, and seafood in your diet.
- Iron sources like kidney beans, black beans, spinach, raisins, apricots, and lentils, taken along with Elemental Iron, can help you improve your iron deficiency.
- Additionally, include iron-fortified cereals, bread, and pasta in your regular diet.
- Vitamin C foods like orange juice, broccoli, strawberries, melons, and bell peppers enhance iron absorption into the body.
- You can also try iron gummies if you have sweet cravings.
- Recent trends, like using cast iron utensils for cooking, may also improve your iron levels.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Anaemia: It is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells for carrying adequate oxygen to various body tissues. Anaemia can be temporary, which can be treated with the help of supplements. Sometimes, it can also be long-term, which might require medical procedures to treat. It makes you feel tired very quickly due to a lack of oxygen supply in the body. It is one of the most common blood disorders. Anaemia symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, brittle nails, and pale skin.
FAQs
Elemental Iron is used to treat iron deficiency and anaemia (deficiency of iron and haemoglobin).
Elemental Iron is a dietary supplement that contains Elemental Iron. It works by boosting the production of red blood cells (RBC) in the body, thus treating iron deficiency associated anaemia.
It is recommended not to take Elemental Iron with tea, coffee, milk, and eggs since they might interfere with iron absorption from Elemental Iron.
Elemental Iron is best absorbed if taken on an empty stomach. However, in some patients, it may cause gastrointestinal disturbances, like stomach upset, when taken without food. So, please take it as suggested by your doctor if you have stomach problems.
Elemental Iron may cause constipation as one of its side effects. Eating fibre-rich foods like vegetables, fresh fruits, and cereals and drinking plenty of water can help relieve symptoms.
Antacids may interfere with the absorption of iron. Hence, taking Elemental Iron two hours before or four hours after taking antacids is advised.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and follow your usual dosage. Do not double the dose.
