Ferrous Sulfate + Folic Acid + Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Ferrous Sulfate + Folic Acid + Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate is a combined hematinic and mineral supplement in which ferrous sulfate supplies elemental iron for hemoglobin synthesis, folic acid supports red blood cell DNA synthesis and maturation, and zinc sulfate monohydrate supports immune function and growth. It is used for the following indications, classified by strength of evidence:

Established / Guideline-Supported Uses

• Treatment and prevention of nutritional anemia due to combined iron and/or folate deficiency, including iron-deficiency anemia and megaloblastic anemia of nutritional origin, when a combined hematinic is appropriate.
• Prevention and treatment of iron, folic acid, and zinc deficiency during pregnancy and lactation, when increased physiological requirements are not met by diet alone, as directed by a physician (see Pregnancy and Lactation).
• General hematinic and mineral supplementation in individuals with proven or likely dietary insufficiency of iron, folate, and zinc (e.g. poor dietary intake, malabsorption states, or increased requirement).

Ferrous Sulfate + Folic Acid + Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate is a supplement intended to correct or prevent specific nutritional deficiencies; it does not treat anemia due to other causes (e.g. vitamin B12 deficiency, chronic disease, hemoglobinopathy) and is not a substitute for investigating the underlying cause of anemia. Use should be guided by a physician, ideally with confirmation of deficiency where practical.

Adult Dose

Pediatric Dose

In children older than one year, Ferrous Sulfate + Folic Acid + Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate is generally dosed as one capsule/tablet daily, using an age-appropriate formulation; the contents of a capsule may be opened and mixed with soft food if the child cannot swallow it whole, but pellets should not be chewed. Use in infants and children under one year should be guided by a pediatrician. See Use in Special Populations and Pediatric Uses.

Renal Impairment

Ferrous Sulfate + Folic Acid + Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment or renal failure, who are at increased risk of zinc accumulation; dosing should be individualized and monitored by the treating physician.

Administration

Ferrous Sulfate + Folic Acid + Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach (e.g. one hour before or two hours after meals), but may be taken with food if gastrointestinal upset occurs, with some reduction in iron absorption. Swallow capsules/tablets whole with water; do not crush or chew timed-release formulations. Avoid taking with tea, coffee, milk, or calcium/antacid products, which can reduce iron and zinc absorption (see Interaction).

Ferrous Sulfate + Folic Acid + Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate is generally well tolerated at recommended doses, though gastrointestinal effects related to the iron component are common. Reported adverse effects include:

• Very common: dark or black-colored stools (a harmless, expected effect of the iron component).
• Common: nausea, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and loss of appetite.
• Less common: vomiting, metallic taste (associated with the zinc component), and heartburn.
• Rare: allergic/hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. rash, itching). Prolonged high-dose zinc use can rarely cause copper deficiency with associated anemia or neurological symptoms (see Precautions and Warnings).