Medical expert of the article
New publications
Preparations
Ferronal
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Ferronal is an iron medicine. It belongs to the category of antianemic medicines.
Indications Ferronala
It is used for the treatment or prevention of iron deficiency anemia.
Release form
The substance is released in tablets, in the amount of 10 pieces inside a blister pack. A pack contains 3, 10 or 100 such packages.
Pharmacodynamics
Iron is an important microelement necessary for the human body. Iron is a component of such compounds as myoglobin and hemoglobin, as well as various enzymes. The use of Ferronal quickly leads to the elimination of iron deficiency, and also stimulates the processes of erythropoiesis.
Iron gluconate helps to quickly restore hemoglobin values in people with iron deficiency anemia. A course of treatment with the drug leads to a gradual weakening of clinical (such as a feeling of fatigue and weakness, tachycardia and dizziness) and laboratory signs of anemia.
Pharmacokinetics
Iron gluconate has high absorption and bioavailability rates. Absorption occurs mainly through the duodenum and the proximal small intestine. Synthesis with protein is 90% or more (the main part is with hemoglobin). Depositing occurs in the form of hemosiderin or ferritin inside hepatocytes and the macrophage system; a small part is in the form of myoglobin inside muscles.
Dosing and administration
The medication is taken orally - 60 minutes before meals or 2 hours after (this is required to prevent irritation of the gastrointestinal tract).
For adolescents over 12 years of age and adults, therapy requires taking 4-6 tablets per day (2-3 times a day), and to prevent iron deficiency - 2 tablets per day in 2 times a day.
Children aged 6-12 years should take 1-3 tablets per day for treatment, and 1 tablet per day for prevention.
The duration of therapy can be a maximum of six months.
[ 2 ]
Use Ferronala during pregnancy
Ferronal can be used during lactation or pregnancy only with a doctor’s prescription.
Contraindications
Among the contraindications:
- the presence of severe sensitivity to iron medications or any of the components of the medication;
- hemosiderosis or hemochromatosis;
- thalassemia, hemolytic anemia, or anemia caused by lead poisoning;
- ulcerative colitis.
Side effects Ferronala
The use of the drug may cause diarrhea, heartburn, vomiting, constipation, and also abdominal pain and nausea. Signs of allergy (urticaria or itching), skin hyperemia and hyperthermia may also be noted. In addition, gastralgia, dizziness, pain (in the throat, chest or back, as well as toothache) and a feeling of irritability may be observed. In case of such side effects, the use of the drug should be discontinued.
[ 1 ]
Overdose
Signs of intoxication: vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, constipation, diarrhea, weakening of the pulse, as well as a comatose state, decreased blood pressure and collapse (symptoms of peripheral circulatory collapse occur within half an hour after taking the drug or with a delay of several hours).
Within 12-24 hours of taking the drug, convulsions, metabolic acidosis, leukocytosis and fever may occur.
Acute necrosis affecting the liver or kidneys may occur on the 2nd to 4th day after application. In severe cases, death may occur.
In the early stages of poisoning, vomiting is induced and gastric lavage is performed. After this, deferoxamine is used in a dose selected individually, taking into account the severity of the pathology.
Hemodialysis procedures will not be effective for iron excretion, but they can be used to accelerate the excretion of the iron-deferoxamine complex.
Interactions with other drugs
Cimetidine, antacids, carbonate-containing drugs, phosphates with bicarbonates, and in addition, etidron with calcium agents and oxalates, as well as pancreolipase with pancreatin, weaken the absorption of Ferronal; this list also includes some food products - vegetables, spinach, dairy products, chicken egg yolk, cereals, as well as tea and coffee. Therefore, the medicine must be taken 60 minutes before or 120 minutes after their use.
Vitamin C increases iron absorption.
The drug reduces the absorption of tetracyclines, penicillamine, and fluoroquinolones with methyldopa. These drugs must be taken 120 minutes before or after using Ferronal.
Large doses of iron medications weaken the absorption of divalent zinc in the intestines (therefore, such medications should be taken 120 minutes after the administration of iron medications).
Ethyl alcohol enhances the absorption of the drug and increases the likelihood of developing toxic complications.
[ 3 ]
Storage conditions
Ferronal should be kept in a dry place, out of the reach of small children. Temperature indicators should be within 25°C.
Shelf life
Ferronal can be used within 36 months from the date of manufacture of the pharmaceutical product.
Application for children
This form of the drug should not be prescribed to children under 6 years of age.
Analogues
The analogues of the drug are Ferronal 35 and Iron gluconate.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Ferronal" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.