What is carbonyl iron?
Carbonyl iron is a form of the mineral iron. Iron is important for many functions in the body,
especially for the transport of oxygen in the blood.
Carbonyl iron is used as a dietary supplement, and to prevent and to treat iron deficiencies and
iron deficiency anemia.
Carbonyl iron may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking carbonyl iron?
Do not take carbonyl iron if you have
-
hemochromatosis,
-
hemosiderosis, or
-
hemolytic anemia.
Carbonyl iron may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed
above.
If you do not have an iron deficiency, talk to your doctor about the use of carbonyl iron.
Generally, carbonyl iron should not be taken chronically by individuals with a normal iron balance.
Talk to your doctor before taking carbonyl iron if you are pregnant.
Talk to your doctor before taking carbonyl iron if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take carbonyl iron?
Take carbonyl iron exactly as directed by your doctor, or as directed on the package. If you do
not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each tablet with a full glass of water.
Take carbonyl iron on an empty stomach for best results. If stomach upset occurs, take
carbonyl iron with food or following a meal.
Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get the correct dose,
measure the liquid form of carbonyl iron with a dose measuring cup or spoon, not with a regular table
spoon. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Carbonyl iron may decrease the absorption of other medicines. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking carbonyl iron if you take any other prescription or over-the-counter
medicines.
Store carbonyl iron at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Keep this medication out of the reach of children. An accidental overdose of iron by a child
can be fatal.
What happens if I miss a dose of carbonyl iron?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time to take next
dose, skip the dose you missed and take the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a
double dose.
Where can I get more information about carbonyl iron?
Your pharmacist has information about carbonyl iron written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of carbonyl iron?
If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of
your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop taking carbonyl iron and seek emergency medical attention.
Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue taking carbonyl iron and talk
to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about carbonyl iron?
Keep this medication out of the reach of children. An accidental overdose of iron by a child
can be fatal.
Carbonyl iron may decrease the absorption of other medicines. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking carbonyl iron if you take any other prescription or over-the-counter
medicines.
What should I avoid while taking carbonyl iron?
Keep this medication out of the reach of children. An accidental overdose of iron by a child
can be fatal.
Carbonyl iron may decrease the absorption of other medicines. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking carbonyl iron if you take any other prescription or over-the-counter
medicines.
What other drugs will affect carbonyl iron?
Do not take carbonyl iron within 2 hours of a dose of any of the following medicines
-
a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Achromycin,
Sumycin), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox), demeclocycline
(Declomycin), oxytetracycline (Terramycin), or troleandomycin (TAO);
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a fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro),
enoxacin (Penetrex) ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), levofloxacin (Levaquin),
lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), grepafloxacin (Raxar), sparfloxacin (Zagam), or trovafloxacin
(Trovan);
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levodopa (Larodopa, Dopar, Sinemet);
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levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl, others);
-
methyldopa (Aldomet); or
-
penicillamine (Cuprimine).
Carbonyl iron may decrease the absorption of the drugs listed above.
Do not take antacids within 2 hours of a dose of carbonyl iron. Antacids may decrease the
absorption of carbonyl iron.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with carbonyl iron. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines while taking carbonyl
iron.
What happens if I have an overdose of carbonyl iron?