iron w/stool softener sustained-release – oral

WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6 years of age. Keep this product out of reach of children. If overdose does occur, seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center.

USES: This medication is an iron supplement used to treat or prevent low blood levels of iron (e.g., for anemia or during pregnancy). Iron is an important mineral that the body needs to produce red blood cells and keep you in good health. A stool softener is added to help prevent constipation that may be caused by iron.

HOW TO USE: Follow all directions on the product package or use as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dosage. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Swallow this medication whole with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. It is best taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. If stomach upset occurs, you may take this medication with food. Avoid taking antacids, dairy products, tea, or coffee within 2 hours before or after this medication because they will decrease its effectiveness. Do not crush or chew this medication. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. Do not lie down for 10 minutes after taking this medication. If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

SIDE EFFECTS: Constipation, diarrhea, or upset stomach may occur. These effects are usually temporary and may disappear as your body adjusts to this medication. To prevent constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet by eating more bran, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Also, drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day and exercise regularly. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Iron may cause your stools to turn black, which is not harmful. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this product, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: iron overload disorder (e.g., hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis). If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication: use/abuse of alcohol, liver problems, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., ulcers, colitis). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: If you are taking this medication under your doctor’s direction, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially: certain anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin), methyldopa, vitamin products. Iron supplements can decrease the absorption of drugs such as bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate), penicillamine, cefdinir, chloramphenicol, levothyroxine, levodopa, and quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin). Therefore, separate your doses of these medications as far as possible from your doses of iron. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how long you should wait between doses and for help finding a dosing schedule that will work with all your medications. Avoid taking this medication at the same time as antacids or tetracycline antibiotics. Wait at least 2 hours between taking this medication and an antacid or tetracycline antibiotic. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including fecal occult blood tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

QUESTION

NOTES: Laboratory tests (e.g., complete blood count) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments. This medication is not a substitute for a proper diet. It is important to maintain a well-balanced diet. Foods rich in iron include red meats (especially liver), fish, beans, dried fruit, and iron-fortified/enriched cereals and bread.

Related Disease Conditions

Anemia

Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is, therefore, decreased. There are several types of anemia such as iron deficiency anemia (the most common type), sickle cell anemia, vitamin B12 anemia, pernicious anemia, and aplastic anemia. Symptoms of anemia may include fatigue, malaise, hair loss, palpitations, menstruation, and medications. Treatment for anemia includes treating the underlying cause for the condition. Iron supplements, vitamin B12 injections, and certain medications may also be necessary.

Constipation

Constipation is defined medically as fewer than three stools per week and severe constipation as less than one stool per week. Constipation usually is caused by the slow movement of stool through the colon. There are many causes of constipation including medications, poor bowel habits, low-fiber diets, laxative abuse, and hormonal disorders, and diseases primarily of other parts of the body that also affect the colon.

Can You Still Poop With Impacted Feces?

Digestion is the process of breaking down food in the gut so that it is in easily absorbable forms. The food travels from the mouth to the food pipe, stomach, small bowel, and large bowel to be finally eliminated through the anus. The small bowel (small intestine) absorbs nutrients from the food.