Ferodol is a preparation of iron, folic acid and zinc. Iron and zinc are specially formulated for timed-release over several hours.

Adults: One capsule daily. In more severe cases, two capsules daily may be required.

It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its component or those with iron overload.

Special care should be taken in patient with iron overload states, such as haemochromatosis, hemolytic anemia or red cell aplasia. Failure to response to the treatment requires further investigations to exclude other causes of anemia. In patients with renal failure there may be the risk of zinc accumulation.

Iron and zinc chelate with tetracyclines and absorption of all these agents may be impaired. The absorption of zinc may be reduced in the presence of iron. Penicillamine and antacids may also reduce the absorption of iron. Such potential interactions can be reduced by separating administration of each product by several hours.

Gastrointestinal irritations such as nausea, anorexia, vomiting, discomfort, constipation and diarrhea may occur. Patients may complain of dark stools. These timed release capsules are designed to reduced the possibility of gastrointestinal irritations. Rarely there may be allergic reactions.

Iron over dosage is dangerous, particularly in children, and requires immediate attention. Gastric lavage should be carried out in the early stages, or if this is not possible, vomiting should be induced. These procedures should not be undertaken where signs of the corrosive effect of zinc are present. Give oral desforroxamine (2 g for a child or 5 g for an adult) and demulcents. If serum iron levels at 4 hours or more post ingestion are over 5 g/l in a child or 8 mg/l in an adult, or if the patient is in shock or in coma, intravenous desferroxamine should be used. Zinc sulphate in gross over dosage is corrosive. Symptoms are those of gastrointestinal irritation leading to severe cases of hemorrhage, corrosion of the mucosa and possible later stricture formation. Gastric lavage or emesis should be avoided. Demulcents such as milk should be given. Chelating agents such as dimercaprol, penicillamine or edetic acid have been recommended. Symptomatic or supportive measures should be given as required. The timed release capsule presentation may delay excessive absorption of iron and zinc and allow more time for initiation of appropriate counter measures.

Use of any drug during the first trimester of pregnancy should be avoided if possible. Thus administration of iron during the first trimester requires definite evidence of iron deficiency. Prophylaxis of iron deficiency where inadequate diet calls for supplementary zinc and folic acid is justified during the remainder of pregnancy.

Store in a cool and dry place (below 25°C), away from light. Keep out of children.

Ferodol capsule: Box containing 3 strips of 10 timed release capsules each. Each capsule contains dried ferrous sulphate BP 150 mg (equivalent to 47 mg iron), zinc sulphate monohydrate USP 61.8 mg (equivalent to 22.5 mg zinc), both in timed release form, and folic acid BP 500 mcg.