Ifa Capsule

Iron and folic acid supplement for:

• Prevention and treatment of iron and folate deficiency anaemia, especially in pregnancy (national programmes)
• Heavy periods, blood loss, poor diet

Pregnancy (prevention, WHO/national programme): 1 tablet daily (about 60 mg elemental iron + 400 microgram folic acid) throughout pregnancy and for 3 months after delivery.

Treatment of anaemia: 1 tablet one to two times daily (or as prescribed), continuing about 3 months after haemoglobin normalises.

• Best taken on an empty stomach with water or orange juice; take with food if it upsets the stomach.
• Not for children unless prescribed (paediatric products exist).

• Anaemia not due to iron deficiency (e.g. thalassaemia trait without iron deficiency, haemolytic anaemia)
• Iron overload (haemochromatosis), repeated transfusions
• Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency
• Allergy to any ingredient

Common: black stools (harmless), nausea, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhoea, metallic taste.

Rare: allergic reactions.

• Keep out of reach of children — iron overdose is dangerous and can be fatal.
• Peptic ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease: caution.
• Unexplained anaemia in men and post-menopausal women should be investigated.

Recommended in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Take 2–4 hours apart from: tetracyclines, doxycycline, quinolones, levothyroxine, bisphosphonates, levodopa, methyldopa, penicillamine.

• Antacids, calcium, PPIs, tea, coffee, milk reduce iron absorption; vitamin C improves it
• Folic acid may lower phenytoin levels

Emergency, especially in children: vomiting, diarrhoea (possibly bloody), abdominal pain, drowsiness, later shock and liver failure. Go to hospital immediately.

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