Health · Medicine, Made Safer
Iron Tablets: How to Take Them
By the eva team · · 2 min read
Iron tablets may be recommended when blood tests confirm iron deficiency or iron-deficiency anaemia. They help the body rebuild the iron needed to make haemoglobin and healthy red blood cells. Different iron products contain different amounts of iron, so take only the product and amount recommended by your healthcare professional.
1. How Should I Take Iron Tablets Safely?
Take iron tablets only when they have been recommended for you. Follow the instructions from your healthcare professional, pharmacist or medicine label because the correct product, amount and schedule can differ between people.
2. Follow The Exact Schedule You Were Given
Iron tablets and liquids come in different forms and strengths. Do not copy another person’s schedule or change how often you take yours without advice. If you miss a dose, follow the medicine instructions rather than taking extra to make up for it.
3. Some Food And Drinks Reduce Iron Absorption
Tea, coffee, milk, dairy products and eggs can reduce how much iron the body absorbs when taken at the same time. Follow your healthcare professional’s instructions about spacing them away from your iron medicine. Calcium supplements may also need to be taken separately.
4. Vitamin C May Help Your Body Absorb Iron
Your healthcare professional may suggest taking iron with water or a source of vitamin C, such as orange juice, because vitamin C can help with absorption. Follow the advice given for your particular medicine rather than creating your own routine.
5. Stomach Side Effects Can Happen
Iron tablets can cause nausea, stomach discomfort, constipation or diarrhoea. Taking iron with food may reduce stomach-related side effects, although food can also reduce absorption. Ask your healthcare professional or pharmacist what to do rather than stopping or changing the dose yourself.
6. Darker Poo Can Be A Common Side Effect
Iron medicine can make your poo look darker than usual, and this is commonly harmless. However, seek medical advice if the stool looks black and tar-like, contains blood or appears alongside severe stomach pain or feeling very unwell.
7. Keep Iron Away From Younger Children
Too much iron can cause serious poisoning, especially in young children. Keep tablets and liquid iron closed, out of sight and out of reach. Get urgent medical help after a possible overdose, even if the person does not yet appear unwell.
8. Keep Taking It For As Long As Advised
You may begin feeling better before your iron stores are fully rebuilt. Continue taking the medicine for the length of time recommended and attend any follow-up blood tests. Tell your healthcare professional if side effects continue or make it difficult to take the treatment.