What it means
The most common oral iron supplement, used for iron-deficiency anemiauh-NEE-mee-uhA lower than normal number of red blood cells or amount of hemoglobin in the blood.a- without, lacking-emia blood conditionFull entry and in pregnancy. Iron is absorbed best on an empty stomach and with vitamin C, but it often upsets the stomach, so it may be taken with food. Common effects are constipation, nausea and dark green or black stools.
For the nurse
Teach the client that black stools are expected, to drink fluids and eat fiber for constipation, and to take it apart from antacids, calcium, dairy and tea. Liquid iron can stain teeth: dilute it and use a straw. Keep it locked away from children, because an iron overdose can kill a small child.
In a chart
"Ferrous sulfate 325 mg PO daily with orange juice; client aware stools may darken."
At a glance
| Drug class | iron supplement (mineral) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Feosol, Fer-In-Sol, Slow Fe |
| Spanish | sulfato ferroso |
Related terms
hemoglobin
The iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and the blood test that measures it.
anemia
A lower than normal number of red blood cells or amount of hemoglobin in the blood.
constipation
Bowel movements that happen less often than usual, with hard, dry stool that is difficult to pass.