What is Ferrous Gluconate: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Follow the directions on the label. Do not take more than the recommended dose.

If taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider, do not take more than prescribed. Carefully follow the prescriber’s instructions about any special diet.

Take ferrous gluconate doses 30 minutes before or two hours after a meal. Take the medicine with a full glass of water or fruit juice. 

• If the dose causes stomach problems, take it with food.

How to take ferrous gluconate tablets:

• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water or other liquid. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

• Store ferrous gluconate tablets in a closed container at room temperature in a cool, dry place.

How to administer ferrous gluconate drops or solution:

• Shake the bottle well before administering a dose.

• Use the calibrated oral syringe or dropper that comes with this medicine to measure doses. 

• Use a calibrated teaspoon if indicated on the package directions

• Take the dose in the mouth or mixed with water, juice, or other liquid.

• Ask a healthcare provider if you need to give iron supplements to infants or children.

• Store ferrous gluconate tablets at room temperature, out of the reach of children.

• Follow the package instructions when storing ferrous gluconate liquid.

Take a missed dose when remembered. 

If you are taking one dose per day, take a missed dose on the day it was missed. Skip it if it’s the next day, and take that day’s dose.

If you’re taking more than one dose per day, take the missed dose when you remember it. If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at its regular time. 

Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to iron supplements or if you have:

• Hemochromatosis (a condition in which your digestive system absorbs too much iron)

• Hemosiderosis (excessive iron deposits in the body’s tissues)

• Hemolytic anemia

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, don’t start ferrous gluconate supplements without talking to a healthcare provider.

Get medical advice before starting ferrous gluconate if you have:

• Stomach or intestinal problems

• Diabetes

• An active infection

• Porphyria

• Other medical conditions

Make sure any doctor or healthcare provider who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. 

• Iron supplements may affect certain medical tests.

Iron supplements can darken stools, even turning them black. This is normal (the iron is black), but can easily be confused with internal bleeding. If there are other symptoms, call a healthcare provider. 

Ferrous gluconate liquid may stain your teeth. 

• Try diluting the medicine with water or other liquids (such as fruit juice or tomato juice) and using a straw to avoid getting the iron liquid on the teeth.

• You can remove iron stains by brushing your teeth with baking soda or peroxide.

Accidental overdose of iron supplements is the leading cause of fatal poisoning in very young children. Store ferrous gluconate supplements in securely capped childproof containers out of the reach of children.

Iron supplements can block the body’s ability to absorb other drugs, particularly many types of antibiotics. If you are taking any prescription drugs, talk to a healthcare provider before taking ferrous gluconate or other iron supplements.

Tell any healthcare provider prescribing new medications that you are taking ferrous gluconate or other iron supplements.

Do not take oral iron supplements if you are also receiving iron injections.

Avoid taking ferrous gluconate with:

• Antacids

• Milk

• Calcium-containing products

• High-fiber foods

• Caffeine