Do you always feel tired and lethargic? Maybe your skin is pale, and the doctor has told you that you have iron deficiency anemia? Or are you a pregnant mother? Are you a mother with a small baby? In cases like this, a doctor may give you a liquid iron medicine, called Iron Syrup. So today, let's talk about this Iron medicine, how to use it exactly, and what things to be careful about.
What is Iron? Why do we need it?
Simply put, Iron is an essential mineral for our body. It's like the engine of a car. Iron is essential for making red blood cells in our blood. Think of these red blood cells as little trucks that carry oxygen throughout our body. When we breathe, the oxygen that comes into our lungs is distributed to every cell in the body by these trucks. So, these trucks, that is, red blood cells, need iron to make them.
When the body lacks iron, the production of these red blood cells decreases. Then the cells in the body do not get the amount of oxygen they need. This is what we call "Iron Deficiency Anemia". That is why we feel tired, weak, pale, and dizzy.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting iron pills
Before giving you iron tablets, your doctor will ask you a few questions. At that time, it is very important to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions.
| Do you have these conditions? | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Bowel diseases (e.g. Crohn's disease) or stomach ulcers | Iron medications can worsen these conditions. |
| Frequent drinking | Alcohol can interfere with iron absorption and affect the liver. |
| Another type of anemia (e.g., hemolytic anemia) | Iron is not given for all anemia. It is important to know the exact cause. |
| A disease that causes excess iron in the body (e.g., hemochromatosis) | Giving iron to such patients can worsen the condition. |
| Liver diseases | The liver is involved in iron metabolism, so its function is important. |
| Allergies to iron or other medications/foods | This is essential to prevent a serious allergic reaction. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | This is important to determine the right dosage for you and your baby. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
It is very important to take this medicine exactly as the doctor prescribes, in the exact dosage, and for the exact length of time.
- Shake well: Shake the bottle well before use to ensure the ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
- Take the correct dose: Use only the special dropper, measuring cup, or spoon that comes with the medicine. Teaspoons and tablespoons at home can cause inaccurate measurements.
- Reduce tooth staining: Liquid iron can sometimes cause temporary yellow stains on your teeth. The best way to prevent this is to dilute your dose in a glass of water or fruit juice (especially orange juice, which is rich in vitamin C) and drink it through a straw. This will prevent the medicine from getting directly on your teeth.
- Take with food: Some people may experience mild stomach upset or nausea when taking iron. To reduce this, you can take the medicine with or after a meal. However, consult your doctor about this.
- Take it on time: Get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day.
- Don't stop taking it without your doctor's advice: Even if you feel better, don't stop taking it until your doctor tells you to. It can take about 3 to 6 months for your iron levels to return to normal.
Keep these things in mind when giving to young children.
Never give iron to a young child without the advice of a doctor. Children only need iron in special cases, and the dosage should be determined by a doctor. When giving it to a child, you can mix the drops into some of their milk or food.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
This is very important. Iron is a substance that can be harmful to children, even in very small amounts. If you think you, or a child, may have taken too much of this medicine by mistake, go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
If you are taking iron while taking other medications, there may be interactions between the two. That is, one medication may interfere with the effectiveness of another. Therefore, it is best to tell your doctor about every medication and vitamin you are taking.
| Type of medicine/food | Things to watch out for |
|---|---|
| Antacids (liquids used for gastritis) | It reduces the absorption of iron into the body. Therefore, take iron either 2 hours before or 2 hours after drinking. |
| Calcium supplements and dairy foods | Taking calcium and iron together reduces the absorption of both. Take them at two times. |
| Some antibiotics | For example: Quinolone and Tetracycline type medications. Taking these together with iron may reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotic. |
| Thyroid hormones | Iron may reduce the absorption of thyroid medication. |
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, iron can cause minor side effects. Most of these are not dangerous, but there are some things you should be aware of.
| Nature of the side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Things to inform your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips/tongue/face, difficulty breathing. |
| It is usually visible, but if it persists, you should tell your doctor. | |
| Black stools | This is normal, don't worry. It's how iron is released from the body. |
| Constipation | Drink plenty of water. Eat more fibrous foods (fruits, vegetables). |
| Stomach upset, nausea | This can be reduced by taking the medicine with food. |
| A metallic taste in the mouth | This symptom disappears as you continue using the medicine. |
Take-Home Message
- Iron medication should only be used on medical advice. Even if you feel better, do not stop taking the medication until your doctor tells you to.
- When drinking liquid iron, dilute it in water or fruit juice and drink it through a straw to prevent staining your teeth.
- This is very important: Keep the iron bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children . Even a small amount can be very harmful to a child.
- It's normal for your stool to turn black when you take the medication. But if you continue to have stomach upset or constipation, talk to your doctor.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins).
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