Ferrous salt/folic acid

Ferrous Salt/Folic Acid

Ferrous salt/folic acid is a combination of two essential nutrients, Ferrous Salt and Folic Acid, used to prevent and treat Iron-Deficiency Anemia and Folic Acid Deficiency respectively.

Composition

The combination typically contains ferrous salt, usually in the form of Ferrous Sulfate, and folic acid. The ferrous salt provides the body with a source of iron, while folic acid is a form of the vitamin B9, necessary for numerous bodily functions.

Uses

Ferrous salt/folic acid is primarily used to prevent or treat conditions caused by low levels of iron and folic acid in the body. These include:

• Iron-Deficiency Anemia: A condition characterized by a lack of red blood cells due to insufficient iron. Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

• Folic Acid Deficiency: This can lead to certain types of anemia, where the body has fewer and larger than normal red blood cells. It can also lead to neural tube defects in unborn babies if the mother has a deficiency during pregnancy.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, ferrous salt/folic acid can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Common side effects include constipation, nausea, and stomach cramps. More serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions.

Precautions

Before taking ferrous salt/folic acid, patients should inform their healthcare provider if they have any other medical conditions, especially: iron overload syndrome (hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis), other types of anemia (not caused by iron deficiency), alcohol dependence, liver disease, or vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia).

Interactions

Ferrous salt/folic acid can interact with certain medications, affecting how they work. These include antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and certain antibiotics. Patients should always inform their healthcare provider about all the medicines they are taking.

Dosage

The dosage of ferrous salt/folic acid depends on the patient's age, weight, and medical condition. It is usually taken orally, with food to reduce stomach upset.

See Also

• Iron Supplements
• Folic Acid Supplements
• Anemia
• Pregnancy