Iron Polysaccharide

Iron Polysaccharide is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to treat and prevent iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. 

• Iron Polysaccharide are available under various brand names: Ezfe, Ferrex-150, Ferus Pic-150, Fe-Tinic 150 (obsolete), Hematex, Hytinic, Iferex 150, Niferex-150 (obsolete2), NovaFerrum 50, NovaFerrum Pediatric, Nu-Iron 150, Poly Iron, Polysaccharide Iron, ProFe

Common side effects of Iron Polysaccharide include:

• constipation, diarrhea;
• nausea, upset stomach;
• black or dark colored stools; or
• temporary staining of the teeth.

Serious side effects of Iron Polysaccharide include:

• hives,
• difficult breathing,
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• bloody or tarry stools; or
• severe stomach pain or cramps.

Rare side effects of Iron Polysaccharide include:

• none

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.
• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult and pediatric dosage

Capsule

• 150 mg

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Adult dosage

• 150-300 mg oral every 8 hours.

Pediatric dosage

Treatment

• Preterm: 2-4 mg Fe/kg/day oral every day divided every 12 hours; not to exceed 15 mg/day  
• Children: 3-6 mg Fe/kg/day oral every day divided every 12 hours

Prophylaxis

• Preterm: 2 mg Fe/kg/day orally every day divided every 8 hours; not to exceed 15 mg/day  
• Children: 1-2 mg Fe/kg/day orally every day divided every 8 hours; not to exceed 15 mg/day
• Aged >10 years
• Males: 2 mg/day Fe orally
• Females: 5 mg/day Fe orally

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Iron Polysaccharide has severe interactions with no other drugs.
• Iron Polysaccharide has serious interactions with the following drugs:
  • baloxavir marboxil
  • demeclocycline
  • doxycycline
  • eltrombopag
  • fleroxacin
  • gemifloxacin
  • levofloxacin
  • minocycline
  • moxifloxacin
  • mycophenolate
  • ofloxacin
  • oxytetracycline
  • tetracycline
• Iron Polysaccharide has moderate interactions with at least 35 other drugs.
• Iron Polysaccharide has minor interactions with the following drugs:
  • calcium acetate
  • calcium carbonate
  • calcium chloride
  • calcium citrate
  • calcium gluconate
  • carbidopa
  • didanosine
  • gymnema
  • manganese

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the rxlist Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• hemochromatosis;
• hemosiderosis; or
• hemolytic anemia.

Effects of drug abuse

• none

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Iron Polysaccharide?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Iron Polysaccharide?”

Cautions

• You should not take iron Polysaccharide if you have hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, or hemolytic anemia.
• Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. An accidental overdose of iron by a child can be fatal
• Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
• For at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take iron Polysaccharide, avoid:
• milk or other dairy products;
• high-fiber foods (such as whole grains, raw vegetables, or bran);
• coffee, tea;
• cola, chocolate; or
• energy drinks, or other sources of caffeine.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Generally acceptable during pregnancy. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk
• Lactation
  • Consult physician before taking this medicine.