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Iron overdose
Definition:
Poisoning from an overdose of iron.

Alternative Names:
Ferrous sulfate (Feosol, Slow Fe); Ferrous gluconate (Fergon); Ferrous fumarate (Femiron, Feostat)

Poisonous Ingredient:
  • iron
Where Found:
iron supplements:
  • ferrous sulfate (Feosol, Slow Fe)
  • ferrous gluconate (Fergon)
  • ferrous fumarate (Femiron, Feostat)
  • mineral supplements
  • vitamin/mineral supplements
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms:
Note: Symptoms may clear in a few hours, then return after 24 hours or more.
Home Treatment:
Contact Poison Control for appropriate treatment.
Before Calling Emergency:
Determine the following information:
  • the patient's age, weight, and condition
  • the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
  • the time it was swallowed
  • the amount swallowed
  • if the medication was prescribed for the patient
Poison Control, or a local emergency number:
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the person to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.
What to expect at the emergency room:
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:
  • Induce emesis.
  • Draw blood to determine the serum iron levels.
  • Use gastric lavage.
  • Give an antidote if needed.
  • Take an X-ray to make sure all tablets were removed from the stomach.
  • Treat the symptoms.
Expectations (prognosis):
Death may occur even a week after ingestion of the iron, but if the patient is symptom-free after 48 hours, recovery is likely.
Review Date: 1/9/2002
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial.
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