Ferrous Gluconate

What is Ferrous gluconate?

Ferrous gluconate is a type of iron supplement that helps treat or prevent a condition called iron deficiency anaemia — when there isn't enough iron in your body, which leads to a lack of red blood cells. Red blood cells help transport oxygen throughout the body, so healthy iron levels are important for proper cellular function and energy production.

Ferrous gluconate is easy for your body to absorb and is found in supplements and medications in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms. Iron deficiency anaemia can happen for various reasons, like not getting enough iron in your diet, having trouble absorbing iron from food, or losing blood chronically from things like periods or medical conditions.

How does Ferrous gluconate work?

Ferrous gluconate gives your body extra iron, which is important for many things. Iron is needed to make haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around your body. When you take ferrous gluconate, the iron is released during digestion and absorbed into your bloodstream. It goes to your bone marrow, where it combines with other things to make haemoglobin. Haemoglobin carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Ferrous gluconate is a good choice for iron supplements because it's easily absorbed, and eating iron-rich foods can also help keep your iron levels up.

What doses of Ferrous gluconate are available?

Ferrous gluconate is available in 300mg doses. (equivalent to 35mg of elemental iron.) It’s also available in 225mg doses under the brand-name Fergon.

How to take Ferrous gluconate

Always take ferrous gluconate on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. Only take the tablets with food if they give you an upset stomach.

• Take ferrous gluconate with a full glass of water or juice.
• Don’t crush or chew your tablet(s). Just swallow them whole.
• The usual dose to prevent iron deficiency anaemia is 600mg of ferrous gluconate once daily, which is equivalent to two tablets.
• To treat iron deficiency anaemia, you’ll typically be prescribed four to six tablets a day.

How long does Ferrous gluconate take to work?

Depending on your iron levels, the time it takes for ferrous gluconate to work can vary. Taking ferrous gluconate once a day can increase your haemoglobin by at least 10g/litre after two weeks of treatment and 20g/litre after four weeks. Ferrous gluconate is a popular choice as it’s quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, and people may absorb up to 95% of the iron in the tablets.

What happens if I make a mistake using Ferrous gluconate?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one. Don't take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Seek emergency medical attention if you take too much ferrous gluconate, as overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, severe nausea or stomach pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, shallow breathing, a weak and rapid pulse, cold or clammy skin, blue lips, and seizures (convulsions).