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What is ferrous sulfate folic acid used for?

In the pharmaceutical industry, Ferrous Sulfate + Folic Acid is a critical hematinic combination used primarily to treat and prevent nutritional anemias. As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I view this as a synergistic formulation where the two active ingredients work via different biochemical pathways to support healthy red blood cell (RBC) production.

Primary Clinical Uses

  • Iron-Deficiency Anemia (IDA): The Ferrous Sulfate component replenishes depleted iron stores, essential for hemoglobin synthesis.

  • Megaloblastic Anemia: The Folic Acid component treats anemia caused by folate deficiency, where RBCs are larger than normal but dysfunctional.

  • Antenatal Care (Pregnancy): This is the “gold standard” prophylactic for pregnant women. It meets the increased demand for iron (for fetal blood supply) and folic acid (to prevent Neural Tube Defects like spina bifida).

  • Post-Operative Recovery: Used to help patients recover blood volume and hemoglobin levels following significant blood loss during surgery.

Mechanism of Action: The Dual-Track Approach

This combination addresses RBC formation from two angles:

Hemoglobin Synthesis (Iron): Iron is the central atom in the heme group. Without it, the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin to carry oxygen.

DNA Synthesis & Cell Division (Folic Acid): Folic acid (Vitamin B9) is a precursor for DNA synthesis. It is required for the rapid division of “erythroblasts” (immature red blood cells) in the bone marrow.

The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Formulation & Export

From a manufacturing and global trade standpoint, this combination requires careful stabilization:

  • Elemental Ratios: A common export strength is 200 mg Ferrous Sulfate (approx. 60-65 mg elemental iron) + 0.5 mg or 5 mg Folic Acid. As a WHO-GMP firm, we ensure precise content uniformity so that the micro-dose of Folic Acid is evenly distributed.

  • Coating Technology: Ferrous sulfate is metallic-tasting and GI-irritant. We utilize sugar-coating or film-coating—often in distinctive colors like red or maroon—to mask the taste and improve patient compliance in B2B markets.

  • Interaction Management: We formulate these to ensure that the Folic Acid remains stable in the presence of the metallic iron salt. We prioritize Alu-Alu or high-barrier PVC/PVDC blister packaging to prevent oxidation, ensuring a 36-month shelf life for Zone IVb export.

  • B2B & NGO Supply: This is a top-tier product for “Maternal and Child Health” (MCH) tenders. Our Mumbai facility provides full CTD/eCTD Dossiers to support registration for international government health programs.

Ferrous Folic Tablets