ferrous gluconate Drug Details (Generic)
Generic Name:
Availability:
Over-the-counter
Therapeutic Class:
Iron supplement
Forms:
Tablet, liquid
Administration:
By mouth
Therapeutic Uses:
Iron deficiency anemia
Controlled Status:
Not a controlled substance
Ferrous Gluconate Drug Class
Ferrous gluconate (fer-us gloo-kuh-nayt) is a dietary supplement (iron supplement).
Ferrous Gluconate Age Range
Ferrous gluconate is approved for use in adults and children.
Fergon Drug Details (Brand)
Generic Name:
Therapeutic Class:
Availability:
Common Brands:
Form:
Ferate Drug Details (Brand)
Generic Name:
Therapeutic Class:
Availability:
Common Brands:
Form:
ferrous gluconate Uses (Generic)
Ferrous Gluconate Uses
Ferrous gluconate tablets are used to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia (low red blood cell count).
There may be other uses of ferrous gluconate—your doctor or pharmacist can give you further information.
Ferrous Gluconate Mechanism of Action
Ferrous gluconate raises the levels of iron in the body. Iron deficiency is a leading cause of anemia (low red blood cell count). The body needs iron to make healthy red blood cells, hemoglobin (hemoglobin carries oxygen to all the cells in the body), and myoglobin (myoglobin helps muscle cells store oxygen). Iron is also necessary for a healthy immune system.
Ferrous Gluconate Doses
Ferrous gluconate is available in tablet and liquid form. Each ferrous gluconate tablet contains 324 mg of ferrous gluconate (equivalent to 38 mg of elemental iron) or 240 mg of ferrous gluconate (equivalent to 27 mg of elemental iron). The 324 mg tablet provides approximately 211% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of iron for adults and children 4 years of age and older. The recommended dose for adults is one tablet 3-4 times a day for treatment of low iron. Check with a doctor or nutrition counselor for the appropriate dose for your child.
Other salts of iron are also available as dietary supplements, such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, and polysaccharide iron. Take only the type of iron your doctor recommends because the dose and absorption of the different types vary.
For treatment of iron deficiency anemia, the recommended dose is 60 mg of elemental iron every 6-12 hours. For prevention of iron deficiency anemia, the recommended dose is 60 mg of elemental iron daily.
Some clinical studies have found that the body can absorb ferrous gluconate liquid better than ferrous sulfate tablets. However, ferrous gluconate contains less elemental iron than ferrous sulfate, so a larger dose is needed to correct an iron deficiency.
ferrous gluconate Directions (Generic)
How To Use Ferrous Gluconate
Ferrous gluconate comes in the form of a tablet or liquid solution. Take one tablet daily to prevent anemia or one tablet 3-4 times a day to treat iron deficiency, as advised by your healthcare provider.
Read the package label carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand the dosing instructions. Do not take a larger or more frequent dose than mentioned on the label or as advised by your healthcare provider.
You should swallow ferrous gluconate tablets whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Use a medication dropper to measure the liquid.
Ferrous gluconate can temporarily stain your teeth. To prevent tooth staining, mix liquid ferrous gluconate in water or fruit juice (but not milk) and drink it with a straw. Cleaning your teeth once a week with baking soda may also help to prevent tooth staining.
Make sure you read the labels of all your over-the-counter dietary supplements. Many supplements contain iron, along with other vitamins and minerals. Taking multiple iron-containing products can lead to an overdose of iron.
Follow the diet plan created by your doctor or nutrition counselor. Eating a special diet or eating certain foods that are rich in iron may be part of the complete program to increase iron levels in your body.
Missed dose: If you miss a dose of ferrous gluconate, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose or extra ferrous gluconate to make up for a missed dose.
Storage: Store ferrous gluconate at room temperature between 15-30° C or 59-86° F, away from moisture, heat, and direct light in a tightly closed container. Do not store medications in bathroom cabinets where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. An accidental overdose of iron-containing products is the leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under the age of 6. Keep this product and all medications safely out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.
Unused medicine: Dispose of unused ferrous gluconate in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw ferrous gluconate in the trash or toilet. The safest way to dispose of expired or unneeded ferrous gluconate is through a drug take-back program or your local waste disposal company. Learn more about proper medication disposal.
NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on ferrous gluconate. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about ferrous gluconate, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice.
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Fergon Directions (Brand)
Ferate Directions (Brand)
ferrous gluconate Side Effects (Generic)
Ferrous Gluconate Side Effects
Possible side effects of ferrous gluconate are listed below. Call your doctor if these side effects are severe or do not go away in a few days.
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Stomach cramping
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Staining of the teeth
- Discoloration of urine
- Dark stools
Rarely ferrous gluconate can cause more serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention if you develop an allergic reaction with skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or any other unusual symptoms after taking iron supplement tablets.
The above list may not include all the potential side effects of ferrous gluconate. Tell your doctor if the side effects are unusual or severe or last more than a few days. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Ferrous gluconate Overdose: In case of an overdose of ferrous gluconate, call your doctor immediately. You can also call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 if a person has difficulty breathing, cannot be awakened, has collapsed, or has had a seizure. An overdose of iron may cause stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. An accidental overdose of iron-containing products can lead to fatal poisoning in young children.
Source: FDA
Fergon Side Effects (Brand)
Ferate Side Effects (Brand)
ferrous gluconate Warnings (Generic)
Ferrous Gluconate Risks, Warnings, and Complications
Taking ferrous gluconate supplements can lead to serious adverse effects in some people. The risks of taking ferrous gluconate include:
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Precautions Before Starting Ferrous Gluconate
Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to ferrous gluconate, other types of iron supplements such as ferrous sulfate or ferrous fumarate, any of the active or inactive ingredients in ferrous gluconate tablets such as microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, dicalcium phosphate, stearic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, powdered cellulose, talc, sucrose, calcium carbonate, copovidone, shellac, cocoa butter, maltodextrin, hypromellose, riboflavin, carnauba wax, white wax, and artificial flavors. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.
Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid possible drug interactions.
Give your doctor a complete medical history. Ferrous gluconate may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions such as ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, hemolytic anemia, or a genetic disorder like hemochromatosis or hemosiderosis (iron overload disorder).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, are planning a pregnancy, or are breast-feeding.
Precautions During Use of Ferrous Gluconate
Keep all your healthcare appointments while taking ferrous gluconate supplements. Your doctor may order blood tests to check your iron levels and monitor your response to treatment.
Ferrous gluconate can affect the absorption of certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycycline. Make sure you take these antibiotics at least two hours away from your iron supplement.
Antacids can interfere with iron absorption. Take ferrous gluconate at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after antacids.
Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking ferrous gluconate.
Ferrous Gluconate Drug Interactions
Ferrous gluconate can interact with other medications and affect how they work. Some medications can affect iron absorption. Possible interactions between ferrous gluconate and other drugs can increase the risk of severe adverse reactions.
The following medications can have interactions with ferrous gluconate:
- Antibiotics such as tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycycline
- Antacids
The above list may not include all possible interactions of ferrous gluconate. Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, OTC (non-prescription) medications, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your healthcare professionals if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with dietary supplements and prescription medications.
Fergon Warnings (Brand)
Ferate Warnings (Brand)
ferrous gluconate Pros & Cons (Generic)
Ferrous Gluconate Pros and Cons
- Ferrous gluconate can help to prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia.
- It is available in tablet and liquid form.
- The body may absorb ferrous gluconate liquid better than some other types of iron.
- Liquid ferrous gluconate appears to be better tolerated than other forms of iron.
- It is safe for children
- Iron supplements can cause stomach discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.
- Ferrous gluconate products contain less elemental iron than ferrous sulfate products, so you may need to take a larger dose to correct low iron.
- Oral forms of iron work more slowly than injectable forms in correcting a deficiency.
ferrous gluconate Pharmacist Tips (Generic)
Ferrous Gluconate Tips from Pharmacists
Iron is better absorbed on an empty stomach. But if ferrous gluconate causes stomach upset, it may help to take it with food.
Taking iron with vitamin C improves its absorption.
Iron supplements can make your stool appear darker. This is not something to worry about. But you should call your doctor immediately if you notice blood in your stool.
If you are taking the liquid form of ferrous gluconate, mix it with water or juice to prevent staining of your teeth. However, do not mix it with milk or alcoholic beverages such as wine.
Read the labels of your dietary supplements. Many supplements contain iron, along with other nutrients. Taking multiple iron-containing products can result in an overdose.
The body’s iron needs change during pregnancy and lactation. Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. They will tell you the correct dose of iron to take.
Do not give ferrous gluconate tablets meant for adults to children. Your child’s healthcare provider can tell you the appropriate dose for your child.
ferrous gluconate Rx Savings Tips (Generic)
Ferrous Gluconate Rx Savings Tips
Ferrous gluconate is a generic medication and is available at significantly lower prices than the brand names. Brand names Fergon and Ferate and generic ferrous gluconate contain the same medicine and are equally effective and safe. Like with most medications, the generic version offers better value. A BuzzRx ferrous gluconate coupon can result in big savings on the brand name and generic forms of the supplement. With a BuzzRx discount card, savings card, or discount coupons, ferrous gluconate could cost you a fraction of retail prices. Ferrous gluconate may be under $8.00 for 90 tablets of the 324 mg dose at Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy, and other participating pharmacies with a BuzzRx discount card or free coupon. For the biggest discounts on ferrous gluconate, give the checkout clerk your BuzzRx ferrous gluconate discount coupon when you purchase a dietary supplement at the pharmacy counter.
Lowest Price for Ferrous Gluconate | |
| Brand $11.47 | Generic $7.86 |
VIEW DISCOUNTS Pricing based on most commonly-filled versions. Select the strength and quantity of your medication for the most accurate pricing. | |
ferrous gluconate Common Questions (Generic)
Common Questions about Ferrous Gluconate
Which is better: ferrous sulfate or ferrous gluconate?Studies have shown that the liquid form of ferrous gluconate is better absorbed and better tolerated with fewer gastrointestinal side effects than ferrous sulfate tablets. But ferrous gluconate contains less elemental iron per dose, so you may need to take larger and more frequent doses of ferrous gluconate to correct a deficiency. |
Who should not take ferrous gluconate?People who have had an allergic reaction to ferrous gluconate in the past should not take it. Also, iron supplements are not recommended for people with certain health conditions, such as iron overload disorders or hemolytic anemia. |
Can I take ferrous gluconate at night?You can take ferrous gluconate at night if you are taking it once daily to prevent low iron. But it is best to take an iron-containing dietary supplement on an empty stomach in the morning with water or orange juice (which contains vitamin C) for maximum absorption. Avoid taking iron with dairy products such as milk. Also, keep in mind that you may need to take ferrous gluconate 3-4 times a day to treat low iron. |
How can I raise my iron levels quickly?Intravenous iron is the fastest way to raise iron levels. Taking a dietary supplement containing iron can also raise your iron levels, although more slowly. |
How much iron do you need per day?Adult men and women need 8 mg of iron per day. Women of childbearing age (19 to 50 years) need 18 mg of iron per day. Pregnant women need 27 mg of iron per day and women who are breast-feeding need 9 mg of iron per day. The recommended daily intake of iron in children varies with age and gender and ranges between 7 mg and 15 mg per day. Most people can get enough iron from their diet. Foods rich in iron include leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and organ meats such as pork, chicken, or beef liver. |
What is the price of ferrous gluconate without insurance?Without insurance, ferrous gluconate can be as high as $19.07, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $7.86 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not. |
What is the price of ferrous gluconate with insurance?Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on ferrous gluconate—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins. You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for ferrous gluconate. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not. |
Ferrous Gluconate vs. Ferrous Sulfate: What’s the Difference?
If your doctor has prescribed oral iron supplements to treat iron deficiency anemia, you will find different types of supplements available.
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