Iron (ferrous salts)
Iron is a mineral found in 16 medicines sold in India, such as Livogen, Orofer XT, Fefol. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.
Also called: ferrous fumarate, ferrous sulphate, ferrous ascorbate, iron
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.
Combination medicines that contain Iron (16)
Common questions
What is Iron used for?
Treats and prevents iron-deficiency anaemia.
How does Iron work?
Ferrous salts replace iron to make haemoglobin, treating iron-deficiency anaemia, which is very common in Indian women and children.
How should I take Iron?
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.
What are the side effects of Iron?
Common: Black stools, constipation, nausea, stomach pain. Get help straight away for: Accidental swallowing of many tablets by a child (very dangerous, emergency), dark stools with stomach pain or vomiting blood.
Does Iron interact with other medicines?
Antacids, calcium, PPIs, tea and coffee lower absorption. Iron reduces absorption of levothyroxine, quinolones, tetracyclines and levodopa; separate by 2 hours.
Is Iron safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Commonly prescribed in pregnancy; safe while breastfeeding.
Does Iron need a prescription in India?
It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.
Which brands contain Iron?
Autrin, Cheri XT, Dexorange, Fefol, Fercee XT, Fericip XT, Ferium XT, Feronia-XT, Ferox XT, Ferrogen-XT, Hb-29, Hemfer-XT, Irozorb, Livogen, Orofer XT, Trifer-XT.
Sources and further reading
- Iron (ferrous salts): 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.
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.
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