Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid
About Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid
Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid is an oral supplement used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anaemia and folate deficiency. It helps your body produce healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all your tissues and organs. Doctors often prescribe this medicine to people who cannot get enough of these nutrients from their diet alone.
To get the best results, you should take Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid consistently every day at the same time. You can take this medicine with or without food, though taking it with a meal can help if it causes an upset stomach. Adding vitamin C-rich foods to your diet can also help your body absorb the iron more effectively.
While taking Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid, you might notice mild side effects like dark stools, mild nausea, or constipation. These are common and usually harmless, but you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of an allergic reaction.
Before starting Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid, talk to your doctor if you have a history of iron overload disorders, such as hemochromatosis, or if you suffer from regular blood transfusions or stomach ulcers. Do not take this medicine if you have known allergies to any of its active ingredients or have been told you have too much iron in your body.
Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid can interact with certain antibiotics and antacids, which can lower how well your body absorbs the medicine. It is also important for pregnant, breastfeeding, or elderly individuals to consult their healthcare provider to ensure they are taking the correct safe amount.
Uses of Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid
• Managing Anaemia: Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid helps increase iron levels in the body, which boosts the production of haemoglobin and reduces the risk of anaemia.
• Addressing Folate Deficiency: By increasing folic acid levels, Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid aids in the production of healthy red blood cells, thereby preventing anemia.
• Promoting Fetal Development: Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid is taken as a supplement during pregnancy to maintain adequate iron and folic acid levels. This supports the proper development of the fetal brain and spinal cord, helping to reduce the risk of birth defects.
Medicinal Benefits
Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid is used to prevent and treat iron deficiency anaemia and folate deficiency.
Benefits may include:
- By raising your hemoglobin levels, Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid helps reduce the constant fatigue, weakness, and exhaustion associated with anemia, helping you feel more active.
- Better oxygen delivery to the brain helps clear mental fog, improving concentration, memory, and overall mental clarity.
- Taking this medicine regularly during pregnancy reduces the risk of low birth weight and supports the healthy development of the baby's brain and spinal cord.
- Maintaining healthy iron and folate levels strengthens your body’s natural defenses, helping you recover from minor illnesses more efficiently.
Directions for Use
- Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid can be taken on an empty stomach, usually 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, for better absorption. However, if it causes stomach upset, take it with food.
- It is recommended to take Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid once daily or as advised by your doctor.
- Chew Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid thoroughly before swallowing.
- Do not swallow the tablet as a whole.
Storage
Side Effects of Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Dark or black stools (this is normal and harmless)
- Mild constipation or diarrhoea
- Upset stomach, mild nausea, or stomach cramps
- Temporary staining of the teeth (with liquid forms)
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Severe stomach pain or cramping
- Persistent vomiting or throwing up blood
- Severe allergic reactions (hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or severe dizziness)
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Expect darker stools: Do not be alarmed if your stools turn dark green or black; this is a harmless effect of unabsorbed iron passing through your body.
- Check the expiration date: Always inspect the package before use and do not take Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid if the packaging is damaged or past its expiry date.
- Separate other medications: Keep a gap of at least two hours between taking Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid and taking thyroid medications, calcium supplements, or tetracycline antibiotics.
- Keep away from children: Treat iron supplements with extreme caution around toddlers, as even small accidental ingestions can lead to severe iron poisoning.
Drug Interactions
- Antacids and acid-reducing medicines: May significantly lower the absorption of Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid.
- Certain antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones): Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid can lower the effectiveness of these medicines. Take them at least two hours apart.
- Thyroid hormones (e.g., levothyroxine): Taking Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid together with thyroid medicine can reduce how much thyroid hormone your body absorbs.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consumption of alcohol as it may decrease the absorption of Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid. Please consult a doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Pregnancy
safe if suggestedFerric Diphosphate+folic Acid may be safe to use during pregnancy if recommended by a doctor.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid is excreted in human milk. Therefore, please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding. Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks the benefits are greater than the risks.
Driving
safeFerric Diphosphate+folic Acid usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionTake Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid with caution, especially if you have a history of liver disease. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney disease. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionFerric Diphosphate+folic Acid should be used in children only if recommended by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat vitamin C-rich foods: Pair your supplement with foods high in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, or tomatoes, to help your body absorb the iron more efficiently.
- Limit calcium and caffeine near your dose: Avoid drinking tea, coffee, or milk, and do not eat calcium-rich foods (like cheese or yogurt) at the same time as Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid, as they can block iron absorption.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help prevent the mild constipation that often occurs with iron supplements.
- Incorporate folate-rich foods: Eat plenty of dark leafy green vegetables, beans, lentils, and fortified grains to naturally support your folate levels alongside your medication.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Anaemia: It is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to various body tissues. Anaemia can be temporary, which can be treated with the help of supplements. It can also be a long-term issue that may require medical intervention. 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.
Folate deficiency: The deficiency of folic acid in the body is known as folate deficiency. It generally occurs when your diet does not have sufficient food that has more folic acid (citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables). Folate deficiency, if left untreated, can lead to anaemia.
FAQs
Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid is primarily used to treat anemia (lack of blood) and folic acid deficiency that occurs mainly due to poor diet, poor absorption of food, or increased folate use in the body (in pregnancy).
Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid contains Ferric diphosphate (an iron supplement) and folic acid (a form of vitamin B9). It works by increasing the production of red blood cells (RBCs) and haemoglobin (a protein) in the body. As a result, an adequate number of RBCs are produced in the body, so each tissue gets a sufficient supply of oxygen.
You are not recommended to take Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid with coffee, tea or dairy products at the same time, as they may reduce the absorption of Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid. However, you may drink coffee or tea 2 hours before or after taking Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid.
You are not recommended to take Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid with phenytoin as co-administration of these two medicines may reduce the concentration of Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid in blood and increase the risk of seizures (fits). However, please consult a doctor before taking Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid with phenytoin.
Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid is not recommended for hemochromatosis (excessive iron in the body) patients as it may increase the risk of adverse effects. Therefore, it is advised to inform your doctor if you have iron overload conditions before taking Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid.
Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid may cause common side effects, such as constipation, dry mouth, loss of appetite, bloating, and diarrhoea.
Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid should be used in children only if recommended by a doctor. Before using this medication, you should inform your doctor about your child's medical history, including ongoing medicines, if any. Based on that, your doctor will suggest Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid if necessary.
Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid may interact with various medications. Here are some examples: anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, primidone, phenytoin, sodium valproate, carbamazepine), antibiotics (chloramphenicol, cotrimoxazole, trimethoprim), antimanic drugs (lithium), diuretics (triamterene), anti-inflammatory drugs (sulfasalazine), painkillers (aspirin), and anticancer drugs (methotrexate).
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. And keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets.
Yes, taking Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid on an empty stomach helps your body absorb the iron and folic acid most effectively. However, if this causes stomach irritation or nausea, you can take it with a light meal instead. Talk to your doctor if stomach upset persists.
This is a completely harmless side effect. It happens because your body does not absorb all the iron in the medicine, and the extra iron is excreted in your stool, turning it dark green or black. Talk to your doctor if you experience severe stomach pain along with this change.
Yes, Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid is commonly suggested during pregnancy to support both the mother's red blood cell levels and the baby's healthy development. However, the exact dosage must be carefully managed. Talk to your doctor before starting or changing your dose during pregnancy.
Mild constipation is a common side effect of iron supplements. Drinking more water and eating fiber-rich foods can help ease this issue, but you should avoid taking fiber supplements at the exact same time as your medication. Talk to your doctor if the constipation is severe or doesn't improve.
You should avoid taking antacids at the same time as Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid. Antacids reduce stomach acid, which is necessary for your body to absorb iron. Try to separate the two medications by at least two hours. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need help planning your medication schedule.
An overdose of iron can be very dangerous, particularly for children, and requires immediate emergency medical attention. If you or someone else takes more than the suggested amount of Ferric Diphosphate+folic Acid, call a hospital or poison control center right away. Talk to your doctor for further guidance.
