Efol Capsule

Iron, folic acid and zinc combination for:

• Prevention and treatment of iron and folate deficiency anaemia, especially in pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Nutritional anaemia with zinc deficiency
• Heavy menstrual blood loss, recovery after illness or blood loss

Adults / pregnancy: 1 capsule (or tablet) once daily, preferably before a meal, or as directed by the doctor.

Children: only as prescribed (products for children have lower strengths).

• Take with water or juice; avoid tea, coffee, milk and antacids within 1–2 hours.
• Continue for the duration advised (in pregnancy usually through the 2nd and 3rd trimesters).

• Iron overload (haemochromatosis, haemosiderosis)
• Anaemia not due to iron/folate deficiency (e.g. haemolytic anaemia, thalassaemia without iron deficiency)
• Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency (folic acid can mask it)
• Allergy to any ingredient

Common: nausea, stomach upset, constipation or diarrhoea, black stools (harmless).

Less common: metallic taste, loss of appetite, heartburn.

Rare: allergic reactions.

• Keep out of reach of children (iron overdose is dangerous).
• Check the cause of anaemia; B12 levels if needed.
• Do not take with other iron supplements unless prescribed.

Recommended and safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding at the prescribed dose.

• Antacids, calcium, tea, coffee, milk (reduce iron/zinc absorption)
• Tetracyclines, quinolones, levothyroxine (reduced absorption — separate by 2–4 hours)
• Phenytoin, methotrexate, trimethoprim (folate interactions)

Iron poisoning — dangerous for children: vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, drowsiness. Go to hospital immediately.

Store below 30°C, dry, in a child-resistant pack.