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Management of side effects

The following table outlines the potential side effects of oral iron therapy and the strategies that can be used to manage them.

Oral Iron Therapy Side Effects and Management

Side effect

 Management

Gastrointestinal (eg, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhoea)

Note: black discolouration of faeces is an expected occurrence
  • take with or shortly after food or at night
  • start at a low dose and gradually increase
  • give in smaller doses – either intermediate dose tablets or intermittent dosing (eg, second daily to weekly)
Black discolouration of teeth with liquid iron
  • dilute with water and drink through a straw
  • brushing teeth with baking soda or peroxide may reduce discolouration

References

  1. Pasricha SR, Flecknoe-Brown SC, Allen KJ, Gibson PR, McMahon LP, Olynyk JK, et al. Diagnosis and management of iron deficiency anaemia: a clinical update. MJA 2010;193:525–532. Available from: http://www.mja.com.au.
  2. Australian Medicines Handbook. Adelaide: Australian Medicines Handbook Pty Ltd, 2010.
Updated on 10 July 2012