Ferium Xt Drop 15 ml (Ferrous Ascorbate)

Medicine overview

Ferium XT Drops are oral iron and folic acid drops manufactured by Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Each 1 mL contains ferrous ascorbate equivalent to 10 mg elemental iron and folic acid 100 mcg.

The formulation supplies nutrients required for normal red blood cell production and is used to help prevent or manage iron and folate deficiency. Iron is needed to make haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, while folate supports normal cell division and red blood cell formation.

What it is used for

Ferium XT Drops provide supplemental iron and folic acid when these nutrients are deficient or additional supplementation is clinically required. Iron supplementation is used to prevent or treat iron-deficiency anaemia, while folic acid supports normal red blood cell production and DNA synthesis.

The appropriate amount and duration depend on factors such as age, nutritional status, laboratory findings, and the reason for supplementation.

How it works

Ferrous ascorbate supplies iron that the body can use to produce haemoglobin. Haemoglobin allows red blood cells to transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. Folic acid, a form of vitamin B9, participates in DNA synthesis and cell division and is therefore important for normal red blood cell development. Together, these nutrients help correct or prevent deficiencies that can interfere with healthy blood formation.

How it is taken

Ferium XT Drops are taken by mouth. Shake the bottle before use and measure the amount prescribed or recommended by the healthcare professional using an appropriate measuring dropper. Do not estimate a child's dose because iron requirements and therapeutic doses can depend on age, body weight, laboratory results, and the reason for treatment. Oral iron is generally absorbed better away from food, although taking it with food can reduce stomach upset.

Important warnings

Keep Ferium XT Drops out of the reach of children. Accidental ingestion of excessive iron can cause severe or potentially fatal poisoning, particularly in young children; suspected overdose requires immediate medical attention or poison-control advice.

Do not use iron supplementation in people with iron-overload disorders unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional. Iron can interfere with medicines including levothyroxine and levodopa, and calcium can reduce iron absorption. Folic acid can interact with some medicines, including methotrexate used for cancer treatment.

Side effects and monitoring

Oral iron commonly causes gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, abdominal discomfort, constipation, vomiting, or diarrhoea; stools can also become darker during iron treatment.

Serious problems are more likely with excessive iron ingestion and can include severe gastrointestinal injury and systemic toxicity. Seek urgent medical help after a suspected overdose or for a severe allergic reaction. When iron deficiency or anaemia is being treated, a healthcare professional may use blood tests to assess response and determine how long supplementation is required.

Pregnancy

Iron and folic acid are important nutrients during pregnancy, and supplementation may be recommended when dietary intake is inadequate or iron deficiency is present. Folic acid is particularly important before and during early pregnancy because adequate intake reduces the risk of neural tube defects.

The amount supplied by Ferium XT Drops should be considered together with other prenatal supplements and dietary sources; use during pregnancy should follow professional advice.

Breastfeeding

Iron supplementation is generally compatible with breastfeeding, and supplemental maternal iron has little effect on the amount of iron reaching the infant through breast milk.

Folate requirements are also increased during lactation.

A breastfeeding infant who has iron deficiency requires their own assessment and treatment rather than relying on the mother's supplementation.

Food, drink and interactions

No specific alcohol interaction for the exact Ferium XT Drops formulation was verified. Alcohol is not reported to require avoidance with oral ferrous sulfate, but product-specific evidence for Ferium XT Drops is unavailable.

Food and drink

Food can reduce iron absorption, although taking oral iron with food may help if it causes stomach upset. Tea, coffee, milk and other dairy products can interfere with iron absorption and are generally separated from oral iron by about two hours. Calcium supplements can also interfere with iron absorption and may need to be taken at a different time.

Storage

Store in a cool, dark place and keep out of reach of children.

Accidental ingestion of iron-containing products can cause serious poisoning in young children.