Fefol
Fefol is a capsule made by GSK that contains Iron (ferrous sulphate) + Folic acid. It combines Iron: mineral and Folic acid: vitamin.
| Ingredient (salt) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Iron (ferrous salts) | (ferrous sulphate) |
| Folic acid | see pack |
Iron (ferrous salts)
What it is used for
Treats and prevents iron-deficiency anaemia.
How it works
Ferrous salts replace iron to make haemoglobin, treating iron-deficiency anaemia, which is very common in Indian women and children.
How to take it
Take on an empty stomach or with orange juice (vitamin C helps), not with tea, coffee or milk. If it upsets the stomach, take with food or every other day. Stools turn black, which is harmless. Continue 3 months after levels recover.
Common side effects
- Black stools
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
Get medical help straight away if
- Accidental swallowing of many tablets by a child (very dangerous
- Emergency)
- Dark stools with stomach pain or vomiting blood
Be careful
Can cause black stools and constipation; keep away from tea, coffee and calcium.
Other medicines and interactions
Antacids, calcium, PPIs, tea and coffee lower absorption. Iron reduces absorption of levothyroxine, quinolones, tetracyclines and levodopa; separate by 2 hours.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Commonly prescribed in pregnancy; safe while breastfeeding.
Folic acid
What it is used for
Prevents and treats anaemia and protects the baby's spine in early pregnancy.
How it works
A B vitamin (B9) needed to make new cells and red blood cells. Taken before and in early pregnancy it prevents spinal birth defects.
How to take it
400 mcg a day from before conception until 12 weeks of pregnancy (5 mg if advised for higher risk). For anaemia, as prescribed.
Common side effects
Usually none
Get medical help straight away if
Allergic reaction (rare)
Be careful
Generally safe.
Other medicines and interactions
High doses can hide B12 deficiency. Methotrexate, phenytoin and some antibiotics interfere with folate.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Strongly recommended before and during early pregnancy; safe while breastfeeding.
Same ingredients, different strength or form
Common questions
What is Fefol?
Fefol is a capsule by GSK containing Iron (ferrous sulphate) + Folic acid.
What is Fefol used for?
Treats and prevents iron-deficiency anaemia. Prevents and treats anaemia and protects the baby's spine in early pregnancy.
How should I take Fefol?
Take on an empty stomach or with orange juice (vitamin C helps), not with tea, coffee or milk. If it upsets the stomach, take with food or every other day. Stools turn black, which is harmless. Continue 3 months after levels recover. 400 mcg a day from before conception until 12 weeks of pregnancy (5 mg if advised for higher risk). For anaemia, as prescribed. Always follow the dose your doctor or the pack gives.
What are the side effects of Fefol?
Common side effects include: Black stools, constipation, nausea, stomach pain, Usually none. Get medical help straight away for: Accidental swallowing of many tablets by a child (very dangerous, emergency), dark stools with stomach pain or vomiting blood, Allergic reaction (rare).
Does Fefol need a prescription?
It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.
Can I take Fefol in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Commonly prescribed in pregnancy; safe while breastfeeding. Strongly recommended before and during early pregnancy; safe while breastfeeding.
What are the substitutes for Fefol?
We have no other brand with exactly the same composition and strength in our list yet. Ask your pharmacist for an equivalent.
Sources and further reading
- Iron (ferrous salts): NHS · MedlinePlus
- Folic acid: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Composition checked against pack details from large Indian online pharmacies. Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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