Ferric Citrate
About Ferric Citrate
Manage phosphorus levels and treat iron deficiency anaemia with Ferric Citrate, an oral tablet suggested for patients with chronic kidney disease. This medicine helps keep your mineral levels balanced when your kidneys cannot fully filter waste. It is primarily used for individuals undergoing dialysis or those with advanced kidney stage concerns.
To get the best results, you must take Ferric Citrate consistently with every meal, exactly as your doctor instructs. Taking this medicine with food is crucial because it works directly on the phosphorus in your meals. Along with taking your medicine, following a low-phosphorus diet and staying active can significantly support your kidney health.
While taking Ferric Citrate, you might experience mild stomach upset, diarrhoea, or darker stools, which are normal and safe effects of the medicine. However, if you develop severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of an allergic reaction, you should consult your doctor immediately.
Before starting Ferric Citrate, talk to your doctor if you have a history of iron overload disorders or severe liver damage. Do not take this if you already have too much iron in your body, as this medicine naturally increases your iron levels.
Certain medications can prevent this medicine from working properly, so be sure to discuss all your current suggesteds, alcohol use, and smoking habits with your provider. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or an older adult, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to ensure Ferric Citrate is safe for your specific situation.
Uses of Ferric Citrate
Medicinal Benefits
Ferric Citrate helps manage complications of chronic kidney disease by controlling phosphorus levels and improving iron stores. With regular use as suggested, it supports bone health, treats iron deficiency, and improves overall well-being.
- Controls Phosphorus Levels: By reducing excess phosphorus in the body, this medicine helps protect the bones and blood vessels from damage, lowering the risk of bone pain, weakness, and mineral-related complications associated with chronic kidney disease.
- Treats Iron Deficiency: This medicine helps replenish iron stores, supporting the production of healthy red blood cells and improving iron deficiency anaemia.
- Improves Energy and Quality of Life: By correcting anaemia and supporting healthy mineral balance, this medicine helps reduce fatigue, increase energy levels, and improve your ability to carry out everyday activities.
Directions for Use
- Ferric Citrate can be taken with food to enhance its absorption.
- Recommended to take three times daily or as advised by your doctor.
- Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Ferric Citrate
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Dark-coloured or black stools (this is a normal and harmless effect of iron)
- Mild diarrhoea or loose stools
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Constipation
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away):
- Severe, persistent stomach pain or cramping
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, and throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Do not take iron supplements or other products containing iron while using Ferric Citrate, unless specifically directed by your doctor, to avoid iron overload.
- Expect your stool to turn dark brown or black; this is a normal result of unabsorbed iron passing through your system and is not a cause for concern.
- Space out other oral medications. Many drugs must be taken at least 1 to 2 hours before or after Ferric Citrate so they can be absorbed properly.
- Get your blood tested regularly as scheduled by your doctor to monitor your phosphorus, iron, and haemoglobin levels.
Drug Interactions
- Certain Antibiotics: Ferric Citrate can reduce the absorption and effectiveness of certain antibiotics, such as doxycycline or ciprofloxacin, when taken at the same time. Your doctor or pharmacist may recommend spacing these medicines several hours apart.
- Thyroid Medicines: Ferric Citrate may decrease the absorption of thyroid medicines, such as levothyroxine, reducing their effectiveness. These medicines should be taken several hours apart, as advised by your doctor.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safe if suggestedDrinking alcohol may affect iron absorption; therefore, it is advised not to coume alcoholic beverages.
Pregnancy
safe if suggestedFerric Citrate is safe to use if suggested by a doctor during pregnancy. Ferric Citrate is generally given at least four weeks before pregnancy and is continued up to 3 months of pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionFerric Citrate can pass into the breast milk when used by a breastfeeding mother. Please consult your doctor before taking Ferric Citrate if you are a nursing mother.
Driving
safe if suggestedFerric Citrate does not affect your ability to drive or operate any machinery. If you notice any side effects that affect your mental ability while using Ferric Citrate, please consult your doctor.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have a history of liver diseases before taking Ferric Citrate. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Ferric Citrate.
Kidney
cautionIt is advised to seek doctor advice before starting Ferric Citrate if you have kidney diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Ferric Citrate.
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
- Follow a low-phosphorus diet by limiting foods like dairy products, nuts, seeds, dark colas, and processed foods with phosphorus additives.
- Keep a daily food diary to track your phosphorus intake and share it with your healthcare team during checkups.
- Stay well-hydrated according to your doctor's specific fluid recommendations, especially if you experience mild diarrhoea or constipation.
- Limit alcohol intake, as it can interfere with how your body processes nutrients and manages kidney function.
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, light-headedness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, brittle nails, and pale skin.
FAQs
Ferric Citrate is used to manage and treat anaemia and Iron deficiency.
Ferric Citrate is a dietary supplement that contains Ferric Citrate. 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 Ferric Citrate with tea, coffee, milk, and eggs since they might interfere with iron absorption from Ferric Citrate.
Ferric Citrate is best absorbed if taken on an empty stomach. But in some patients, Ferric Citrate 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.
Ferric Citrate 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 it is advised to take Ferric Citrate two hours before or four hours after taking antacids.
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.
This happens because your body does not absorb all the iron contained in the medicine. The unabsorbed iron passes safely through your digestive tract and colours your stool, which is completely harmless. Talk to your doctor if you experience severe stomach pain alongside this change.
You should swallow the tablets whole and avoid crushing or chewing them. Crushing the tablets can cause them to release too quickly and may also stain your teeth or irritate your mouth. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have difficulty swallowing pills.
There is limited information on how this medicine affects unborn babies, though managing mineral levels is very important during pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing it. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Some multivitamins contain iron or other minerals that can interact with this medicine or lead to excessive iron levels in your body. It is best to review your entire supplement list with a professional. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new vitamins.
Yes, your doctor will order regular blood tests to monitor your phosphorus, iron, and haemoglobin levels. This helps ensure you are receiving the correct dose and that your iron levels do not get too high. Talk to your doctor to set up your testing schedule.
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