MedicinePOMEssential

Ferrous salt

An iron supplement (ferrous sulfate) to treat and prevent iron deficiency anaemia.

Clinical information

Common uses

treating iron deficiency anaemia
preventing iron deficiency anaemia

Common side effects

feeling or being sick
constipation
diarrhoea
stomach discomfort or heartburn
darker than usual poo

Cautions

keep away from children — overdose can be fatal
not for anaemia types not caused by low iron
tea, coffee, dairy and eggs reduce absorption — leave 2-hour gap

Interactions

antacids and indigestion remedies
antibiotics such as doxycycline or ciprofloxacin
levothyroxine (thyroid medicine)
bisphosphonates such as alendronic acid
calcium, magnesium or zinc supplements
levodopa and other Parkinson's medicines

Pregnancy: safe in pregnancy — often recommended if iron is low

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: NHS Medicines A–Z, nhs.uk/medicines/ferrous-sulfate (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations2

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Ferrous salt	Tablet	equivalent to 60 mg iron	—	POM
Ferrous salt	Oral solution	equivalent to 25 mg elemental iron [as sulphate]/Ml	—	POM