Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Ferrous gluconate as follows:
- Avoid having ferrous gluconate supplement concurrently with any antibiotics. When taken together, iron can heavily inhibit absorption of most of the antibiotics, thus compromising the therapeutic benefit of antibiotic intake. Observing a 2 hour interval between ferrous gluconate intake and dose of antibiotic can significantly help.
- Avoid consuming any supplements with calcium along with Ferrous gluconate, as calcium can strongly inhibit the absorption of iron in the stomach. This can compromise the therapeutic benefit of intake of Ferrous gluconate. Also, avoid milk and any milk products for 2 hours before and after taking the Ferrous gluconate, as they contain calcium that can inhibit absorption of iron in the stomach. Observing a 1 – 2 hour window between Ferrous gluconate and any food & supplements with calcium, can help prevent any compromise with therapeutic benefit from intake of Ferrous gluconate.
- Avoid taking the Ferrous gluconate with alcohol, as alcohol intake can result in the body absorbing iron in significantly large amounts than normal. Excess of the iron absorbed over a span of time can lead to accumulation of iron in various vital organs, such as, liver, heart, and pancreas. Iron overload in these body tissues can compromise the function of vital organs resulting in symptoms of liver failure, heart failure, and diabetes.
- When taking Ferrous gluconate as an oral liquid/suspension/elixir, use a measuring spoon/cup to measure the correct dose being taken, in order to avoid risk for over/under dosing. Also, do not forgot to shake the suspension well before you use it. The liquid form of the medication, upon plain intake, carries the risk of staining the teeth black. Mix the liquid medication with a cup of water or small amount of orange juice can help avoid the teeth getting stained with Ferrous gluconate. Cleaning the teeth twice weekly with sodium bicarbonate (baking powder) also can help prevent the teeth from staining.
