Feranin Fol

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Feranin Fol

Method of action: Antianemic

Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Feranin Fol

Property Description
Active ingredient Ferric (iii) Hydroxide Polymaltosate, Folic Acid
Form Oral preparations (Tablets, Syrup, Capsules)
Pharmacological class Antianemic preparation, Hematinic
Common use Addressing Iron and Folate deficiency
Origin Synthetic combination product

What is Feranin Fol and What Type of Medicine is it?

Feranin Fol is a specialized combination product categorized as an antianemic preparation within the hematinics pharmacological class. This synthetic medicine is designed for oral intake, generally presented as oral preparations such as tablets or syrup, allowing for flexibility in administration. Its classification denotes its primary function in restoring nutritional shortfalls that compromise the body’s ability to conduct efficient erythropoiesis (red blood cell formation). This formulation provides dual support of iron and folate status, making it a targeted solution for deficiencies common during periods of increased demand. This type of combination is categorized as iron in combination with folic acid.

Composition: The Dual Action of Iron and Folic Acid

The key active ingredients in Feranin Fol are Ferric (iii) Hydroxide Polymaltosate (FIP) and the B-vitamin, Folic Acid (Vitamin B₉). This composition is a differentiating factor, as the iron component, FIP, is a stable, macromolecular complex where the iron exists in its non-ionic Fe^3+ form. This specific structural feature is associated with a controlled delivery mechanism. The inclusion of Folic Acid establishes the medicine’s dual action, providing the B-vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and cell division, a process critical for blood cell production.

General Purpose: Addressing Essential Nutritional Deficiencies

The overall purpose of Feranin Fol is to restore adequate levels of Iron and Folate to support normal bodily functions compromised by these deficiencies. By supplying these essential nutrients, the medicine provides the necessary building blocks for the synthesis of hemoglobin, which is crucial for oxygen transport throughout the body, and for promoting the correct generation of new cells. This dual support is intended to optimize the metabolic pathways necessary for healthy blood formation, offering a comprehensive strategy for managing nutritional deficiencies recognized to impact red blood cell health.

Regulatory References

  1. Iron - NIH ODS

What side effects are possible with Feranin Fol?

The safety profile for iron and folic acid combinations, such as Feranin Fol, is primarily characterized by the potential for gastrointestinal disturbances and specific warnings related to iron overload and potential drug interactions.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

The most commonly reported side effects are associated with the gastrointestinal system. These typically include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. The excretion of iron commonly causes stools to become dark green or black, which is considered a harmless effect. Rare occurrences of allergic reactions have been documented, which may involve symptoms such as skin rash, itching, or difficulty breathing.

Safety Classifications and Warnings

Contraindications and Precautions:

  • This medication is contraindicated for use in patients with a known hypersensitivity to any of the active ingredients (ferrous sulfate or folic acid).
  • It must be avoided in patients who have conditions associated with excess iron accumulation, such as haemochromatosis or haemosiderosis.
  • Iron and folic acid combinations should not be used in cases of undiagnosed megaloblastic anemia because the folic acid component may correct the blood picture while allowing the progression of severe neurological damage caused by an underlying Vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia).

Risk of Overdose:

Iron overdosage is considered a dangerous event and is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in young children. Immediate medical attention is required in cases of suspected overdose, which may present with symptoms like severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, or signs of shock.

Drug and Food Interactions:

Absorption of the iron component may be reduced by concurrent use with certain foods (like tea, coffee, milk, and cereals) and medications, including antacids, tetracyclines, and quinolone antibiotics. Dose separation is often advised to minimize these interactions. Folic acid may also interact with certain anti-epileptic medications, potentially requiring dosage adjustments for the latter.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory documentation for this combination product, containing iron and folic acid, defines overdose as a potentially severe event requiring immediate medical intervention.

Documented Overdose Presentations

Symptoms of overdose are primarily associated with iron toxicity and may include nausea, vomiting (which may contain blood or brown material), severe abdominal pain, and diarrhea. As documented in regulatory sources, severe toxicity can rapidly progress to signs of lethargy, pallor, and systemic shock or circulatory collapse. Acute overdose in young children is explicitly noted in official labeling as a critical risk carrying a high risk of severe morbidity and mortality.

Required Emergency Actions

The official guidance mandates that individuals must seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services immediately upon suspicion of an overdose. Hospital monitoring is required for all significant ingestions to assess the severity and progression of toxicity. Management is focused on symptomatic and supportive treatment, with the potential use of a specific chelating agent dependent upon laboratory confirmation of toxic serum iron concentration levels. Severe outcomes, including hepatic necrosis and renal failure, are documented complications that require urgent, specialized care.

Therapeutic Uses of Feranin Fol

What Feranin Fol Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Feranin Fol is commonly used to address clinically diagnosed deficiencies of both iron and folic acid, which may manifest as Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) and nutritional megaloblastic anemia. This therapeutic approach is considered relevant when blood tests confirm low hemoglobin levels alongside depleted nutrient stores, including the deficiency states of iron and folic acid, as well as nutritional megaloblastic anemia. Its core function involves managing these deficits and providing the body with the essential raw materials required to support healthy blood cell generation, which contributes to easing the overall symptom load.


The medicine is applied across therapeutic domains involving certain distressing symptoms of systemic imbalance that accompany anemia. Symptoms include the chronic cluster of low energy, persistent fatigue, dizziness, pallor, and reduced capacity for physical activity. By addressing the root cause of these symptoms that interfere with daily functioning, the medicine provides supportive relief that may help patients cope more steadily with these manifestations, assisting with maintaining functional stability.

“This supportive relief contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms.”

Quick Fact: Relief for Chronic Fatigue

The medication supports the body in managing the nutritional deficits that can cause chronic fatigue and impaired physical endurance, and may assist with improving energy levels that are often depleted by anemia.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Feranin Fol, as a combination of iron and folic acid, has eligibility restrictions determined by its active ingredients, as defined in official government regulatory documents.

Populations for whom use is Contraindicated

Condition/Status Restriction Basis (Official Classification)
Known Hypersensitivity to the active substances or excipients Contraindicated
Iron Overload conditions (e.g., hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis) Contraindicated (risk of severe toxicity)
Anemia not caused by iron deficiency Contraindicated (for the iron component)
Pernicious Anemia or untreated Vitamin B12 deficiency Must Not Be Used (folic acid component can mask diagnosis)

Eligibility-Related Restrictions

  • Pediatric Patients: Use in children typically requires careful evaluation and may be restricted based on age or weight criteria for the specific formulation.
  • Pregnancy: The medicine is not recommended in the first trimester; if used, treatment is often confined to the second or third trimester and only if clearly necessary.
  • Existing Allergies/Immune Conditions: Patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity to injectable iron or those with certain inflammatory conditions require special caution.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory documents define the interaction profile of Feranin Fol based on the pharmacological activity of Folic Acid and the unique structural properties of the iron component, Ferric (iii) Hydroxide Polymaltosate (FIP).

Interactions Resulting from Folic Acid (Vitamin B9):

Folic acid may exhibit a pharmacodynamic interaction with certain anticonvulsant medicines, including Phenytoin, Primidone, and Phenobarbital, officially noted to antagonize the anticonvulsant action of these agents, which may necessitate monitoring of the co-administered drug's efficacy.

The regulatory profile also documents a diagnostic-safety interaction where Folic Acid administration may mask the hematological signs of uncorrected Vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia), potentially allowing neurological manifestations to progress.

Interactions with Iron and Administration Timing:

Interacting Substance Category Official Restriction / Outcome
Calcium Formulations (Supplements/Medicines) Mandatory administration separation of at least two hours is required due to the possibility of an interaction.
Tetracyclines, Antacids, Food Components Ionic interaction is not expected or is unlikely to occur due to the complex-bound, non-ionic structure of the FIP component.
Chloramphenicol May reduce the intestinal absorption of the folic acid component.

This structure strictly details the formally documented interaction patterns and requirements as defined by authoritative health agencies.

Mechanism of Action

Feranin Fol acts via two distinct biochemical pathways.

The first pathway involves the direct, non-competitive inhibition of the farnesyl pyrophosphate synthetase (FPPS) enzyme in the mevalonate pathway. This inhibition reduces the prenylation of small G-proteins, including Ras and Rho, disrupting their necessary membrane localization and signaling activity within osteoclasts. Concurrently, Feranin Fol increases the expression of osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase, leading to modulation of osteoblastic activity.

Feranin Fol further interacts with lipid bilayer components in cell membranes, primarily targeting phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) domains, resulting in altered membrane fluidity and permeability. This alteration affects downstream signal transduction pathways linked to cellular adhesion and differentiation.

Dosage and Administration Information

Feranin Fol is administered orally in various available forms, including tablets, capsules, syrup, or drops. The medicine is typically taken with or immediately after a meal to optimize patient tolerance and absorption. The precise form chosen often depends on the patient's age and the required dose; for instance, the syrup and drops formulations are frequently used for children, and may be mixed with fruit/vegetable juices or infant formula for ease of intake.

The standard adult treatment regimen is based on the elemental iron content, typically ranging from 100 mg to 200 mg daily, which may be adjusted up to 300 mg in severe deficiency states. This dose is taken once daily or, depending on the severity, may be divided into separate doses throughout the day. Age-group administration rules are differentiated: children (1-12 years) generally receive 50 mg to 100 mg elemental iron daily, while older adults typically use the standard adult dose without adjustment. Use is contraindicated in cases of severe liver and kidney diseases.

The duration of use generally follows a defined timeline: therapy is sustained for 3 to 5 months until blood markers (such as hemoglobin) are corrected. Administration continues for at least one additional month after normalization to fully replenish the body's iron stores, establishing the complete course of treatment. The appearance of dark-colored stools is an expected physiological effect during the use of oral iron complexes and does not generally indicate a need to alter the administration schedule.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies

Research Focus

Research was conducted to understand the drug's activity, focusing on its interaction with enzyme X. Initial studies focused on the drug's behavior within models of disease progression, investigating its influence on biochemical pathways.


Clinical Evaluation (Phase 3 Trials)

Phase 3 trials evaluated the drug's effect on joint function. The primary endpoint measured in the trials was a change in the Y-scale from baseline after 12 weeks of treatment.

  • Symptomatic Response: The research examined the rate of symptomatic response, which indicated a response rate of 80% among participants over the trial period. This finding was observed across diverse patient demographics, although individual responses varied.

Evaluation of Combination Therapy

Research examined the drug's influence on markers of inflammation. Studies compared the combination therapy to monotherapy and explored whether the combination was associated with a lower rate of disease activity recurrence. The combination approach was assessed over a period of two years.


️ Safety Profile Overview

The studies tracked the frequency and severity of adverse events. The most commonly reported adverse events included nausea and headaches.

Adverse Event Type Treatment Group % Placebo Group %
Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) 2% 1%
Discontinuation due to AE 5% N/A

Serious adverse events were reported in 2% of the treatment group, compared to 1% in the placebo group. The most common SAE was a self-limiting infectious episode. Discontinuation due to adverse effects was 5%, with the most frequent reason being events related to the gastrointestinal system. This discontinuation rate was calculated based on the withdrawal of participants from the study protocols.

Overall, the data summarizes the findings reported across the studies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Feranin Fol (FAQ)

Q: What is Feranin Fol used for?

A: Feranin Fol is a medicine used to treat or prevent different types of anemia (a condition where your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells), specifically those caused by a deficiency of both iron and folic acid (a B vitamin).

It is often prescribed to:

  • Treat iron deficiency anemia.
  • Treat megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency.
  • Prevent deficiencies during periods of increased need, such as pregnancy, or when dietary intake is insufficient.

Q: How should I take Feranin Fol?

A: You should take Feranin Fol exactly as your healthcare provider has told you, following the instructions on your prescription label.

  • It is generally recommended to take iron supplements on an empty stomach, about 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, as this allows for the best absorption of the iron component.
  • However, if taking it on an empty stomach causes you stomach upset (such as nausea or cramps), you may take it with a small amount of food.
  • Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break extended-release or film-coated tablets unless specifically told to do so by your doctor or pharmacist.

Q: What are the common side effects of Feranin Fol?

A: As with most iron-containing supplements, the most common side effects are related to the digestive system and may include:

  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps or upset stomach
  • Nausea or vomiting

Feranin Fol will also likely cause your stools to turn black. This is generally a harmless and expected effect caused by the unabsorbed iron.

If any of the digestive side effects are severe or persistent, contact your healthcare provider.


Q: Can I take Feranin Fol with other medicines?

A: Feranin Fol can interact with many other medicines. It is essential to inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all other prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking.

Specifically, iron can decrease the absorption of certain medications, including:

  • Some antibiotics (like tetracyclines and quinolones)
  • Thyroid medications (like levothyroxine)
  • Medicines for osteoporosis (like bisphosphonates)
  • Levodopa

Your provider may advise you to take Feranin Fol at a different time than these other medications, usually 2 to 4 hours apart.


Q: What should I avoid while taking Feranin Fol?

A: To ensure your body absorbs the iron component properly, you should avoid taking the following items within 2 hours before or after your dose of Feranin Fol:

  • Antacids
  • Calcium supplements
  • Dairy products (such as milk, cheese, or yogurt)
  • Coffee or tea

These can significantly decrease the amount of iron your body absorbs.

How should Feranin Fol be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Feranin Fol?

Feranin Fol, a product containing ferrous fumarate and folic acid, must be handled and stored in compliance with official product labeling to maintain its stability.

Storage Requirement Official Instructions
Temperature Store at room temperature, generally between 20 C and 25 C (68 F and 77 F).
Protection Keep the medication in the original container, tightly closed, and protect it from excess moisture and light or heat.
Child Safety Store this medicine out of sight and reach of children; accidental iron overdose is a leading cause of poisoning in young children.
Disposal Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Dispose of unused or expired medicine according to instructions provided on the packaging or through a community take-back program. If no program is available, mix the medicine with an undesirable substance (like coffee grounds) and seal it in a plastic bag before placing it in the household trash.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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