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Suggest Remedies For Side Effects Of Iron Pills
My iron level is 35 so the doctor put me on iron pills. They are making me constipated and sick to my stomach is there something else I can do instead of taking them? I ended up having to take a stool softner 2 days after starting the medication.
Tue, 15 Nov 2016
Hi & Welcome.
I can understand your concern.
Generally used in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia, the iron pills (Ferrous sulfate) can cause constipation and abdominal pain in addition to black or dark-colored stools or temporary staining of the teeth.
These effects are usually temporary and may disappear as the body adjusts to this medication.
The stomach upset can be prevented by:
1. A dose reduction
2. switching over to another form of iron rather than just stopping it.
3. Taking the iron pills with food to avoid the gastric upset.
Constipation can be prevented by:
1. Taking the iron pills orally once a day (if you are taking 3 times/day)
2. Taking the laxative Docusate sodium at bed time in addition to increasing the intake of oral fluids such as water and dietary fibers such as vegetables and fruits.
Hope the advice given above would be useful in getting rid of stomach upset and constipation.
A feedback is highly appreciated.
Adding extra fiber to your diet can help relieve this symptom. A stool softener may also make you feel better.
Starting with a low dose of iron and then gradually increasing the dose to the daily recommended amount may help minimize side effects. If your iron supplements are bothering your stomach, your doctor can adjust the dose or form of iron you use. You can also try taking the supplements with food.
If constipation is causing the nausea and stomach irritation, a stool softener or laxative may help provide relief,
I can understand your concern.
Generally used in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia, the iron pills (Ferrous sulfate) can cause constipation and abdominal pain in addition to black or dark-colored stools or temporary staining of the teeth.
These effects are usually temporary and may disappear as the body adjusts to this medication.
The stomach upset can be prevented by:
1. A dose reduction
2. switching over to another form of iron rather than just stopping it.
3. Taking the iron pills with food to avoid the gastric upset.
Constipation can be prevented by:
1. Taking the iron pills orally once a day (if you are taking 3 times/day)
2. Taking the laxative Docusate sodium at bed time in addition to increasing the intake of oral fluids such as water and dietary fibers such as vegetables and fruits.
Hope the advice given above would be useful in getting rid of stomach upset and constipation.
A feedback is highly appreciated.
Adding extra fiber to your diet can help relieve this symptom. A stool softener may also make you feel better.
Starting with a low dose of iron and then gradually increasing the dose to the daily recommended amount may help minimize side effects. If your iron supplements are bothering your stomach, your doctor can adjust the dose or form of iron you use. You can also try taking the supplements with food.
If constipation is causing the nausea and stomach irritation, a stool softener or laxative may help provide relief,
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