Ferium XT Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Ferium XT Tablet combines Ferrous Ascorbate (iron) and Folic Acid (vitamin B9) and belongs to the Nutritional Supplement drug class. It is mainly used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anaemia by restoring low iron levels and supporting the production of healthy red blood cells. It is taken orally, exactly as prescribed, and is available as a tablet.

What is Ferium XT Tablet

Ferium XT Tablet is an oral medicine that combines Ferrous Ascorbate (iron) and Folic Acid (vitamin B9). It is mainly used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anaemia by restoring low iron levels and supporting the production of healthy red blood cells.

Ferium XT Tablet uses

• Iron deficiency anaemia: replenishes the body's iron stores, helping to build haemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout your body
• Anaemia during pregnancy: supports the increased blood volume needs of both the mother and the developing baby, reducing the risk of low birth weight
• Nutritional deficiency: corrects low iron and vitamin B9 levels caused by an inadequate diet or poor nutrient absorption

Benefits of Ferium XT Tablet

• Helps treat and prevent iron and folate deficiency anaemia
• Reduces tiredness, weakness, and fatigue caused by low iron levels
• Improves energy levels, concentration, and overall daily functioning
• Supports healthy red blood cell production and oxygen transport throughout the body
• Promotes recovery after blood loss from surgery, injury, or heavy menstrual periods

How Ferium XT Tablet works

This medicine contains two ingredients that work together. Ferrous Ascorbate is an easily absorbed form of iron, which your body uses to build haemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen. Folic Acid is a form of vitamin B9 that helps your body make DNA and mature new red blood cells in the bone marrow. Together, the iron helps increase oxygen-carrying red blood cells, while the vitamin helps your body produce healthy new red blood cells.

Ferium XT Tablet dosage

Take this medicine exactly as suggested by your doctor and do not change your dose without consulting them. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water; do not crush, chew, or break it, as this can interfere with how it is absorbed. For best absorption, take it on an empty stomach, either well before or a couple of hours after a meal. If it causes stomach irritation, you may take it with a light meal, but avoid taking it with dairy products, tea, coffee, or high-fibre foods, as they can reduce absorption. Take it consistently at the same time every day as directed by your doctor. Follow your healthcare provider's exact instructions regarding how long you need to continue taking this supplement. Keep a gap of at least a few hours between this medicine and certain antibiotics, antacids, thyroid medicines, or calcium supplements, as they can lower its absorption.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet

Side effects of Ferium XT Tablet

Common

• Mild stomach upset
• Nausea
• Darker stools
• Heartburn
• Stomach pain
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Change in the colour of your stools

Serious

• Nausea (matli)
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain or cramps
• Constipation (qabz)
• Diarrhea (dast)

Warnings and precautions

• Do not take this medicine if you have iron overload disorders such as haemochromatosis or haemosiderosis, as it can cause dangerous iron buildup.
• Iron can irritate the digestive tract and may worsen active inflammation or bleeding if you have peptic ulcers or ulcerative colitis.
• If your anaemia is caused by red blood cell destruction rather than iron deficiency, this medicine is not appropriate and can lead to iron toxicity.
• Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to ferrous ascorbate, folic acid, or any of its ingredients.
• Give this medicine to children only if a doctor has suggested it, and keep it out of their reach, since swallowing too much iron can be very dangerous.
• If you have chronic kidney disease or are on dialysis, take this medicine only under your doctor's supervision, as blood tests and treatment may need to be adjusted.
• Always tell any doctor, dentist, or surgeon that you are taking this medicine, as iron can interfere with certain lab tests, including stool occult blood tests.
• This medicine may be safe to use during pregnancy if your doctor recommends it.
• It is not known whether this medicine passes into human breast milk, so check with your doctor if you are breastfeeding. It is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor believes the benefits outweigh the risks.
• Use this medicine with caution if you have a history of kidney disease. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
• Use this medicine with caution if you have a history of liver disease. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine, as it may reduce how well the medicine is absorbed. Talk to your doctor before consuming alcohol with this medicine.
• This medicine usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

Storage

• Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Non cold chain - To be stored in cool places at 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.

When to see a doctor

• If you suspect you have taken too much of this medicine, get emergency medical help right away or contact your local poison control center. An overdose of iron-containing medicines can be highly toxic, especially for young children. Watch for severe vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, or extreme drowsiness.
• Consult your doctor immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Alternatives

• Feronia XT
• Fefol-Z
• Livogen-XT