What are oral iron salts used for?

Iron helps the body make haemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen. Low iron can develop from blood loss, increased needs, reduced absorption or too little iron in the diet. A clinician may check blood tests and look for the reason before recommending treatment.

Common effects of oral iron include constipation, nausea, stomach discomfort and darker stools. These effects do not always mean the treatment is harming you, but troublesome symptoms should be discussed rather than stopping without advice.

Take the product exactly as directed and keep it away from children. Absorption can be affected by some foods, drinks and medicines, so ask a pharmacist how to space iron from antacids or other tablets. Do not take a second dose to make up for a missed one unless instructed.

Keep follow-up appointments if blood tests are arranged. Improvement in energy may take time, and the prescribed course may need to continue after symptoms ease so the body can rebuild its iron stores.

Seek urgent help if a child swallows iron, or if you develop severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, collapse or marked drowsiness after taking it. Contact a clinician for black, tar-like stools with weakness, visible blood or symptoms that are worsening.

Ask what caused the low iron, when your blood count and iron stores should be checked, how to manage constipation or nausea, and whether any of your medicines interact with iron.