Bioron200 mg/5 ml

Ferrous sulfate is an oral iron salt used for:

Treatment

• Iron deficiency anaemia confirmed by low haemoglobin and low iron stores (ferritin), from causes such as chronic blood loss, poor dietary intake, or malabsorption
• Anaemia of pregnancy correcting iron deficiency that develops as maternal and fetal iron needs increase

Prevention

• Prophylaxis of iron deficiency in individuals at increased risk, including pregnant women, infants on prolonged milk-only diets, adolescents during growth spurts, and blood donors

Ferrous sulfate corrects iron deficiency but does not address underlying causes of blood loss (such as heavy menstrual bleeding or gastrointestinal bleeding), which should be investigated and managed separately by a doctor if iron deficiency recurs or fails to improve.

Contains Bioron 200 mg/5 ml as the active ingredient, providing elemental iron. Marketed products vary in strength and formulation commonly available as standard tablets (providing roughly 60 mg elemental iron per 200 mg Bioron 200 mg/5 ml tablet), dried/exsiccated Bioron 200 mg/5 ml tablets (higher elemental iron per given weight), slow/controlled-release tablets, and oral drops or syrup for infants and children. The generic name alone does not identify one fixed strength; always confirm the elemental iron content of the specific product dispensed.

Ferrous sulfate is one of the most commonly used oral iron supplements, prescribed to treat and prevent iron deficiency anaemia. Iron is essential for making haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body; when iron stores run low, the body cannot make enough healthy red blood cells, leading to fatigue, pallor, and other symptoms of anaemia. Ferrous sulfate replenishes these iron stores when taken as directed, though gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation or stomach upset are common and can often be managed with dosing adjustments.

Therapeutic Class: Haematinic (Oral Iron Supplement)

Iron from Bioron 200 mg/5 ml is absorbed primarily in the duodenum and upper jejunum, with absorption enhanced in an acidic gastric environment and by vitamin C, and reduced by food, tea, coffee, calcium, and antacids. Absorption efficiency is regulated by the body's own iron status it increases when iron stores are low and decreases as stores are replenished, which is a key reason iron supplementation is generally safe when genuinely needed. Absorbed iron is transported bound to transferrin to the bone marrow for incorporation into haemoglobin, with excess iron stored as ferritin, mainly in the liver.

• Best absorbed on an empty stomach, ideally 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, but may be taken with a small amount of food if stomach upset occurs, accepting some reduction in absorption
• Taking with a source of vitamin C (such as orange juice) can improve absorption
• Swallow tablets whole with water; do not crush slow/controlled-release tablets unless the product specifically allows it
• Liquid formulations should be measured with the device provided, and may be diluted in water or juice to reduce staining of the teeth; using a straw can also help avoid direct contact with teeth
• Avoid taking at the same time as antacids, calcium supplements, tea, or coffee, since these reduce iron absorption; space these apart by at least 2 hours if possible

The following should be assessed by a healthcare professional before combining with Bioron 200 mg/5 ml:

• Antacids and proton pump inhibitors: reduce stomach acidity, which is needed to keep iron in its more absorbable form, thereby reducing iron absorption; separate dosing by at least 2 hours where possible.
• Tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin): iron binds to these antibiotics in the gut, reducing absorption of both the antibiotic and the iron; doses should be separated by at least 2-3 hours.
• Levothyroxine: iron can bind to levothyroxine in the gut, reducing thyroid hormone absorption; space doses at least 4 hours apart.
• Penicillamine: iron may reduce the absorption and effectiveness of penicillamine; separate dosing.
• Bisphosphonates: iron can reduce bisphosphonate absorption; take these medicines at different times of day.
• Methyldopa: iron may reduce the blood-pressure-lowering effect of methyldopa through a chelation-type interaction in the gut.
• Calcium supplements and dairy products: can reduce iron absorption when taken at the same time; separate by a couple of hours if possible.

Common side effects (dose-related, gastrointestinal)

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps or discomfort
• Dark or black-coloured stool a harmless staining effect of unabsorbed iron, not a sign of bleeding, though it can look similar; if unsure, mention it to your doctor
• Diarrhoea (less common than constipation)

Less common effects

• Teeth staining with liquid formulations, if not diluted or taken through a straw

Rare but serious (seek medical attention)

• Signs of a severe allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing
• Signs of iron overload with long-term excessive intake: joint pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, skin bronzing

Pregnancy

Ferrous sulfate is commonly recommended during pregnancy to treat or prevent iron deficiency anaemia, which is common due to increased maternal blood volume and fetal iron requirements. It is considered safe for use throughout pregnancy when taken at recommended doses, under medical guidance.

Breastfeeding

Ferrous sulfate is considered compatible with breastfeeding and is commonly recommended for mothers with confirmed or at-risk iron deficiency during the postnatal period.

• Accidental childhood poisoning: iron tablets are a leading cause of fatal accidental poisoning in young children; keep all iron products in child-resistant packaging, out of sight and reach of children at all times.
• Gastrointestinal conditions: use with caution in patients with peptic ulcer disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or diverticulitis, as iron can be locally irritating to the gut lining.
• Confirm the diagnosis first: taking iron supplements without confirmed iron deficiency does not help and can lead to iron overload over time; a blood test is generally recommended before starting long-term supplementation, particularly in men and postmenopausal women.
• Persistent or unexplained iron deficiency: if anaemia does not improve with adequate iron therapy, or recurs after stopping, the underlying cause (such as gastrointestinal bleeding or malabsorption) should be investigated by a doctor.

Iron overdose is a recognized medical emergency, particularly in young children, where even a relatively small number of tablets can be fatal. Early symptoms (within the first 6 hours) include nausea, vomiting (sometimes bloody), abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. A deceptive period of apparent improvement may follow, before more severe effects develop over 6-72 hours, including metabolic acidosis, lethargy, low blood pressure, liver damage, and, in severe cases, shock, coma, and death. Suspected iron overdose, especially in a child, is a medical emergency seek emergency care or contact a poison control center immediately, even if the child initially appears well. Hospital management may include activated charcoal (of limited use for iron specifically), gastric lavage in some cases, and the specific iron-chelating antidote deferoxamine for significant overdose, administered under specialist supervision.

Store tablets and liquid formulations at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight, as directed on the specific product's label. Store in child-resistant packaging and keep out of reach and sight of children iron tablets can look like sweets to a young child, and accidental ingestion is a recognized cause of serious poisoning.

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Commonly recommended to meet increased iron needs; dosing should follow antenatal guidance.
• Infants and young children: Weight-based dosing using an appropriate liquid formulation; products must be stored securely, as accidental overdose in this age group can be fatal.
• Elderly: Constipation may be more troublesome in this group; adequate fluid and fibre intake, and consideration of a lower or divided dose, can help.
• Patients with inflammatory bowel disease: Use with caution, as oral iron can worsen gastrointestinal symptoms in some patients; intravenous iron may be preferred in active disease, per specialist advice.

Treatment for confirmed iron deficiency anaemia is generally continued for about 3 months after haemoglobin levels return to normal, to fully replenish the body's iron stores (ferritin), rather than stopping as soon as symptoms improve. Prophylactic use (such as throughout pregnancy) is generally continued for the duration of the increased-risk period, as advised by the treating physician.

Drug Class: Ferrous (iron II) salt

Ferrous sulfate supplies ferrous (Fe2+) iron, the form most readily absorbed by the intestine, which is then used by the bone marrow to synthesize haemoglobin for new red blood cells. By replenishing depleted iron stores, Bioron 200 mg/5 ml corrects the underlying cause of iron deficiency anaemia, allowing red blood cell production and oxygen-carrying capacity to return to normal over several weeks of treatment.

Ferrous sulfate is used in infants and children for treatment and prevention of iron deficiency, with dosing calculated by body weight and given as an appropriate liquid formulation for younger children. Accurate weight-based dosing and secure storage are essential in this age group, given the serious risk of accidental overdose.