Iron Suspension

Generic name: Iron Suspension [ EYE-urn ]
Brand names: Icar, Wee Care
Drug class: Iron products

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 17, 2023.

Warning

Accidental overdose of drugs that have iron in them is a leading cause of deadly poisoning in children younger than 6 years of age. Keep away from children. If iron suspension is taken by accident, call a doctor or poison control center right away.

Uses of Iron Suspension:

It is used to aid diet needs.
It is used to treat or prevent low iron in the body.
It may be given to your child for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Iron Suspension?

If your child is allergic to iron suspension; any part of iron suspension; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
If your child has any of these health problems: Too much iron in the body or anemia from a cause other than low iron.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with iron suspension.

Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child's drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for your child to take iron suspension with all of his/her drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Iron Suspension?

Tell all of your child's health care providers that your child is taking iron suspension. This includes your child's doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your child's health care providers and lab workers that your child takes iron suspension.
This medicine stops many drugs from getting into the body. If your child takes other drugs, check with the doctor to see if you need to give them at some other time than iron suspension.

If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:

Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.

How is this medicine (Iron Suspension) best taken?

Give iron suspension as ordered by your child's doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

This medicine works better if your child takes it on an empty stomach. Your child may take iron suspension with food if it causes an upset stomach. Some foods like eggs, whole grain breads, cereal, dairy products, coffee, and tea may make iron suspension not work as well. If iron suspension causes an upset stomach, talk with the doctor about the best way to give iron suspension with food.
Only use the measuring device that comes with this liquid drug.
Shake well before use.
Some products may be mixed with formula, fruit juice, or other food or liquids. Some products may need to be put right in your child's mouth. Be sure you know how to give iron suspension to your child.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
Do not give 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child's doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
Fever.
Very upset stomach or throwing up.
Very bad belly pain.
Throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds.

What are some other side effects of Iron Suspension?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child's doctor or get medical help if your child has any side effects that bother your child or do not go away.

Belly pain.
Upset stomach or throwing up.
Diarrhea.
Constipation.
Change in color of stool to green.
Not hungry.
Stomach cramps.
Staining of the mouth, teeth, or fillings.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child's doctor. Call your child's doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Iron Suspension?

Store at room temperature.
Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

If your child's symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child's doctor.
Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about iron suspension, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.