Ferrous Gluconate
Ferrous gluconate is an oral iron supplement used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia. It provides elemental iron that helps restore normal red blood cell production and hemoglobin levels in patients with low iron stores.
Ferrous gluconate is an iron supplement that treats iron deficiency anemia by replenishing iron stores needed for hemoglobin production.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B03AA03
- RxNorm
- 24942
- Generic
- Ferrous Gluconate
- Class
- atc-b03
- Brands
- Fergon, Ferate
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- 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
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid high doses, use only if iron deficiency confirmed
regular prenatal monitoring, check hemoglobin levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second third trimesterstandard adult dosing
commonly prescribed for pregnancy-related iron deficiency
routine prenatal checkups, hemoglobin monitoring
lactation
standard adult dosing
compatible with breastfeeding, continue supplementation if needed
monitor maternal hemoglobin
pediatric_age
children 2 12 yearsweight-based dosing typically 3-6 mg/kg/day of elemental iron
use liquid formulation for accurate dosing, divide doses
monitor for GI side effects, periodic hemoglobin checks
pediatric_age
infants under 2 yearsrequires physician supervision, typically 1-2 mg/kg/day
use under medical supervision only, special formulations available
close medical monitoring required
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderstart with lower dose, may need dose reduction
monitor GI tolerance, consider lower frequency dosing
regular hemoglobin and ferritin monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderate renal impairmentmay require dose adjustment based on renal function
use with caution, monitor renal function
monitor renal function and iron parameters
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairment dialysistypically requires dose adjustment and intravenous iron may be preferred
coordination with nephrologist recommended
frequent monitoring of iron studies and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderate hepatic impairmentno specific adjustment needed
generally well tolerated
standard iron parameter monitoring
alcohol_users
chronic alcohol usemay require higher doses due to malabsorption
assess for concomitant liver disease, monitor closely
monitor liver function and iron studies
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information for iron supplements
Drug class
ATC code B03A (Antianemic preparations)
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses for ferrous gluconate
Bioavailability
Iron absorption from ferrous gluconate in the gastrointestinal tract
Treatment and prevention of iron deficiency anemia due to conditions such as pregnancy, poor dietary iron intake, blood loss, or malabsorption syndromes.
Provides elemental iron that is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and incorporated into hemoglobin, enabling red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.
Take on an empty stomach with vitamin C for optimal absorption. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset, constipation, and dark stools. Separate administration from antibiotics and thyroid medications by at least 2 hours. Keep out of reach of children as iron overdose can be dangerous.
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
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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