From the Guidelines
For a 17-year-old requiring ferrous sulfate, the recommended dose is 200 mg (65 mg elemental iron) taken orally once daily, as this is a reasonable compromise option for initial treatment, according to the British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines 1. The dosage may vary depending on the severity of iron deficiency anemia and the individual's weight and health status.
- The medication should be taken on an empty stomach if possible, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, with a full glass of water or juice, as vitamin C enhances absorption 1.
- Side effects may include constipation, black stools, stomach upset, and nausea, and taking the medication with food can reduce stomach upset but will decrease absorption by about 40% 1.
- The duration of treatment typically continues for 3-6 months after hemoglobin normalizes to replenish iron stores, and a healthcare provider should confirm the diagnosis of iron deficiency before starting treatment and determine the appropriate dosage based on the severity of deficiency and the individual's weight and health status.
- It is essential to monitor the initial haematological response and modify the treatment as appropriate with apparent therapeutic failure, and regular Hb monitoring is recommended to ensure an ultimately satisfactory response, with the optimal interval being every 4 weeks until the Hb is in the normal range 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
CONTAINS: Each tablet contains 324 mg of ferrous sulfate, equivalent to 65 mg of elemental iron, providing 362% of the U.S. recommended daily intake (RDI) of iron for adults and children 4 and older.
16 HOW SUPPLIED Ferrous Sulfate Tablets are available as follows: Each tablet contains 324mg of ferrous sulfate, equivalent to 65mg of elemental iron, providing 362% of the U.S. recommended daily intake (RDI) of iron for adults and children 4 and older.
The recommended dose of ferrous sulfate for a 17-year-old is not explicitly stated in the provided drug labels. However, since the labels mention that the tablets provide 362% of the U.S. recommended daily intake (RDI) of iron for adults and children 4 and older, it can be inferred that the dose for a 17-year-old would be similar to that of an adult.
- The dose would be one tablet containing 324 mg of ferrous sulfate, equivalent to 65 mg of elemental iron, per day, as each tablet provides the recommended daily intake for adults and children 4 and older 2 2.
From the Research
Dosage of Ferrous Sulfate for a 17-Year-Old
- The ideal dosage of ferrous sulfate for a 17-year-old is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, as they primarily focus on different age groups such as infants, children, and pregnant women.
- However, according to the study 3, daily doses of elemental iron between 80 mg and 200 mg are commonly used for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.
- Another study 4 suggests that low-dose ferrous sulfate (3 mg/kg of elemental iron once daily) can be effective in treating iron deficiency anemia in infants and children.
- It is essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage of ferrous sulfate for a 17-year-old, as individual needs may vary.
Considerations for Iron Supplementation
- The choice of iron supplement and dosage should be based on individual needs and medical history, as different supplements may have varying efficacy and tolerability profiles 5, 6.
- Ferrous bisglycinate, an alternative to ferrous sulfate, has been shown to be effective in preventing iron deficiency and anemia in pregnant women 5 and may have a better tolerability profile.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis 7 found that ferrous bisglycinate supplementation resulted in higher hemoglobin concentrations and fewer gastrointestinal adverse events in pregnant women compared to other iron supplements.