Ferrous Fumarate
Ferrous fumarate is an iron supplement used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia. It contains elemental iron in a form that is readily absorbed by the body to help restore healthy iron levels. This medication is commonly prescribed for patients with confirmed iron deficiency, which may result from conditions such as pregnancy, heavy menstrual bleeding, or chronic blood loss.
Ferrous fumarate is an oral iron supplement that treats iron deficiency anemia by replenishing the body's iron stores.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B03AA02
- RxNorm
- 24941
- Generic
- Ferrous Fumarate
- Class
- atc-b03
- Brands
- Ferocon, Folivane-F, Hemocyte Plus, Lactocal, Concept OB, Tandem Plus, Hematogen, Hemocyte-F, TANDEM, Ferrimin 150, Ferrocite, Multigen Plus, Dialyvite 800 with Iron, Hemocyte, Integra F
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesterstandard dose under medical supervision
use only if iron deficiency confirmed and benefits outweigh potential risks
regular prenatal checkups and hemoglobin monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesterstandard dose typically 60-120mg elemental iron daily
commonly prescribed to prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy
routine prenatal care with hemoglobin/hematocrit checks
pregnancy
third trimesterstandard dose 60-120mg elemental iron daily
continuation often recommended through delivery and postpartum
monitor hemoglobin levels and fetal growth
lactation
breastfeedingstandard adult dose 60-120mg elemental iron daily
generally safe during breastfeeding; iron is secreted in minimal amounts in breastmilk
monitor maternal hemoglobin levels
pediatric_age
infants 0 2 yearsdose based on weight typically 3-6mg/kg/day divided into 2-3 doses
use under pediatric supervision; avoid in premature infants unless specifically indicated
monitor for gastrointestinal side effects and growth parameters
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 2 12 yearsweight-based dosing typically 3-6mg/kg/day elemental iron
commonly used for iron deficiency anemia in children
regular hemoglobin monitoring and growth assessment
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderstart with lower dose 30-60mg elemental iron daily
commonly used but monitor for gastrointestinal tolerance; may have reduced absorption
monitor hemoglobin and for signs of iron overload especially with chronic use
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderate creatinine clearance 30 80 ml minstandard dose may be used but monitor response
use with caution; iron deficiency common in chronic kidney disease
monitor iron studies including ferritin and transferrin saturation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe creatinine clearance below 30 ml minreduced dose may be necessary
dialysis patients often require intravenous iron instead of oral
careful monitoring of iron parameters and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderate hepatic impairmentstandard dose typically acceptable
generally well tolerated in hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests periodically
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairment cirrhosisuse with caution; may require dose adjustment
iron overload can occur in hemochromatosis which may coexist with liver disease
monitor iron studies and liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information for iron supplements
Drug class
Antianemic agent and iron preparation
Common uses
Therapeutic indication for Ferrous Fumarate
Bioavailability
Absorption characteristics compared to other iron salts
Treatment and prevention of iron deficiency anemia in adults and children. Common uses include anemia associated with pregnancy, poor dietary iron intake, heavy menstrual periods, gastrointestinal bleeding, and recovery from surgery or illness.
Ferrous fumarate provides elemental iron (Fe2+) that is absorbed in the duodenum and upper jejunum. Once absorbed, iron is incorporated into hemoglobin and myoglobin, enabling oxygen transport in the blood and storage in muscle tissues.
Take on an empty stomach with water or vitamin C juice for optimal absorption. Common side effects include constipation, nausea, and dark stools. Do not take with antacids, calcium supplements, or dairy products as they can reduce absorption. Keep out of reach of children as iron overdose can be fatal.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy