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Sharkoferrol

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Sharkoferrol

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

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 Sharkoferrol

Sharkoferrol is an over-the-counter (OTC) nutritional supplement, typically available in syrup or malt form, manufactured by Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd. in India. It is a multi-mineral and multi-vitamin formulation designed to address or prevent deficiencies of several vital micronutrients, often associated with inadequate diet, certain health conditions, or increased demands during life stages like pregnancy.

Composition and Purpose

The formulation contains a core combination of ingredients that supports general health and vitality. Key active components typically include Ferric Ammonium Citrate (a source of iron), Calcium Gluconate (a highly bioavailable form of calcium), Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3), and several B vitamins such as Niacinamide (B3), Cyanocobalamin (B12), and Folic Acid (B9). Malt Extract is also commonly included as a base ingredient.

It is primarily positioned as a supportive supplement for common nutritional gaps, specifically to aid in the formation of healthy red blood cells, support bone strength, and contribute to energy metabolism. For instance, the inclusion of iron and Vitamin B12 is clinically recognized for their essential roles in red blood cell production and nerve function, which can help combat fatigue associated with deficiencies.

Distinguishing Features

Unlike single-ingredient supplements, Sharkoferrol offers a synergistic blend, often promoted for overall vitality. The liquid syrup or malt dosage form can be particularly beneficial for patients, including children, who may have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules. The combination of Vitamin D3 and Calcium Gluconate works together to maintain healthy bone and muscle function.

Regulatory References

  1. red blood cell production and nerve function
  2. essential roles in red blood cell production and nerve function

What side effects are possible with Sharkoferrol?

The safety profile for this multi-mineral and multi-vitamin formulation is derived from the official regulatory data for its active components: Iron, Calcium, and B and D Vitamins. The adverse reactions are primarily organized by affected organ systems and frequency, as defined in government regulatory documents.

Common Adverse Reactions and System-Organ Classes

The most commonly documented adverse reactions are associated with Gastrointestinal Disorders. These include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting, which are commonly observed with oral iron and calcium supplementation. The appearance of dark-colored stools is also explicitly noted in regulatory documents as a normal, non-harmful effect of iron intake. Other system-organ classes involved include Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders, listing effects such as rash, pruritus, and urticaria, though these are typically classified as less common.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

Serious systemic safety concerns, generally classified as rare, focus on metabolic and hypersensitivity risks. The most significant concern documented for the Calcium and Vitamin D components is the risk of Hypercalcemia (abnormally high calcium levels), which can lead to serious symptoms like confusion or severe weakness. Severe allergic or hypersensitivity reactions are also documented possibilities.

Regulatory safety constraints explicitly forbid the use of iron supplements in individuals with a known iron overload disorder such as Hemochromatosis. Furthermore, specific notes exist for special populations: the labeling advises that geriatric patients and individuals with renal impairment may require caution and, in some cases, lower starting dosages due to the calcium and vitamin D components. Long-term administration of high doses of Vitamin B6 is explicitly associated with the risk of peripheral neuropathies.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory documentation for multi-mineral formulations, specifically the iron component, mandates a critical warning: accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children younger than 6 years.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Overdose may present with severe systemic symptoms. Initial signs can include vomiting, nausea, and severe stomach pain; diarrhea may be dark or bloody. As toxicity progresses, documented manifestations include confusion, weakness, and changes in mental status. Excessive Vitamin D intake can result in hypercalcemia, characterized by excessive thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), and laboratory evidence of abnormally high blood calcium.

Severe Outcomes and Emergency Action

Documented severe outcomes of overdose include potentially life-threatening risks such as hypotension, liver failure, and kidney damage/failure, as well as cardiac arrhythmias. For pregnant patients, an overdose carries documented risks of spontaneous abortion and fetal malformation. Immediate medical help must be sought if overdose is suspected. Regulatory guidance requires that patients seek emergency medical attention and contact the Poison Help line right away. Management procedures include symptomatic and supportive treatment, often requiring hospital monitoring.

Therapeutic Uses of Sharkoferrol

What Sharkoferrol Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The formulation is used to provide support for systemic imbalances often related to nutritional deficiencies. The Iron, Vitamin B12, and Folic Acid it contains are recognized for their role in blood health.

Sharkoferrol is commonly used to address symptoms related to systemic imbalance, such as chronic fatigue, generalized weakness, and low stamina, which may be associated with deficient Iron or B Vitamins. This product is relevant across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed for musculoskeletal health, supplying Calcium and Vitamin D to contribute to supporting bone structure and functional stability. It is relevant in contexts involving heightened systemic burden where growth or other physiological stress may create an increased demand for micronutrients, such as for pregnant women, children, and older adults.

It is used for managing conditions that require supportive care for symptoms related to physical discomfort or systemic imbalance, such as deficiency-related tiredness, symptoms linked to organ-specific functional stress (like bone health), and general nutritional gaps.

“This supplement supports patients during episodes of heightened discomfort by easing the symptom load linked to symptoms that create noticeable physiological strain.”

Quick Fact: Relief for Deficiency-Related Tiredness
Main Benefit: Provides supportive relief that helps patients cope more steadily with symptom fluctuations and supports general well-being.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Sharkoferrol?

The eligibility profile for this multi-mineral and multi-vitamin supplement is defined by strict regulatory classifications focusing on pre-existing conditions and population-specific risk warnings for its iron and calcium components.

Absolute Contraindications

Use is strictly contraindicated for individuals with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient. It must not be used by patients diagnosed with hemochromatosis or other severe iron storage disorders, nor by patients with hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels), as these conditions increase the risk of systemic overload.

Conditional Use and Restrictions

  • Organ Function: Patients with renal impairment or hepatic impairment are permitted to use the supplement, but official labeling advises that this must be done with caution and under close monitoring due to the potential for altered component processing.
  • Age-Related Safety: A critical safety warning applies to children under six years of age. Accidental iron overdose is documented as a leading cause of fatal poisoning in this population, establishing a significant restriction. The product’s safety and efficacy are sometimes not well-established in the general pediatric population.
  • Pregnancy and Lactation: While generally allowed for nutritional support, use during pregnancy and lactation should occur only under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The interaction profile for Sharkoferrol is primarily defined by the pharmacokinetic effects of its mineral components and the systemic effects of Vitamin D.

Pharmacokinetic and Timing Restrictions

The Iron and Calcium components can bind with and reduce the systemic exposure of several oral medicines. This absorption interference is documented to occur with drug classes including Quinolone and Tetracycline antibiotics, Levothyroxine (thyroid hormone), and Bisphosphonates.

To mitigate this effect, specific timing restrictions are required. For instance, co-administration with quinolone antibiotics must be separated by mandated time intervals. Administration of the Iron component must also be separated by at least four hours from oral iron chelators, such as Deferiprone. Absorption interference is also documented with Phytic Acid and Oxalic Acid found in certain foods.

Pharmacodynamic and Metabolic Interactions

The Vitamin D and Calcium components carry a documented pharmacodynamic risk when combined with certain medicines. Combining these components with Thiazide Diuretics or other Vitamin D analogues may increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Formal regulatory restrictions apply to certain combinations:

  • Eltrombopag co-administration is restricted due to binding that decreases its efficacy.
  • High-dose use with Digoxin carries a severe interaction risk due to the potential for synergistic cardiac effects.
  • Specific anticonvulsants (e.g., Phenytoin) are known to accelerate the metabolism of the Vitamin D component.

Special caution is noted in individuals with renal dysfunction regarding the interaction between Vitamin D and aluminum-containing agents due to a specific risk of aluminum toxicity.

Mechanism of Action

Sharkoferrol functions as a multi-component biological resource, providing essential micronutrients that serve as cofactors and substrates in various intracellular biochemical pathways. Its iron component, ferric ammonium citrate, is absorbed in the duodenum and transported in the plasma by transferrin, primarily targeting erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow for incorporation into the heme structure of hemoglobin.

Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) and Folic acid (Vitamin B9) act as coenzymes in the one-carbon metabolism pathway, facilitating the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines, which are critical precursors for DNA synthesis and subsequent cell proliferation, particularly in rapidly dividing cells such as those in the hematopoietic lineage.

Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) is hydroxylated in the liver and kidneys to its active form, which acts as a ligand for the intracellular Vitamin D Receptor (VDR). This ligand-receptor complex translocates to the nucleus to function as a transcription factor, modulating the expression of genes involved in calcium and phosphate homeostasis, thereby promoting systemic calcium absorption in the intestine and mineralization processes in osseous tissue. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a precursor for the coenzymes NAD^+ and NADP^+, which are essential electron carriers in cellular redox reactions and ATP production via mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.

Dosage and Administration Information

Official Administration Guidelines for Sharkoferrol Syrup

Sharkoferrol Syrup is an oral liquid supplement. Official usage instructions are provided on the product label and define specific preparation, dosing, and timing requirements for administration.

Administration Scope

The product must be consumed by the oral route. The liquid dosage form requires adherence to specific volume measurements for proper use.

Usage Type Labeled Dosage Frequency and Timing
Prophylactic (Preventive) One teaspoonful Once daily, preferably in the morning and/or at bedtime
Therapeutic (Treatment) Three teaspoonfuls Once daily, or in two equally divided doses, preferably in the morning and/or at bedtime

Preparation and Special Conditions

Proper preparation of the dose is required. The bottle must be shaken well before use. The measured dose should preferably be taken mixed with lukewarm milk.

  • Dose Limits: The official recommended dosage on the label must not be exceeded.
  • Missed Dose: If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered; however, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid taking a double dose. Return to the regular schedule.

Age-Specific Use

Dosage for specific populations, including pregnant or lactating women and children, is not standardized on the general label. Use in these groups must be as advised by the physician.

Procedural Structure

The official protocol for taking the supplement involves the following sequence:

  1. Shake the Sharkoferrol bottle well.
  2. Measure the required dose (one or three teaspoonfuls) using an appropriate device.
  3. Preferably take the dose mixed with lukewarm milk.
  4. Consume the dose daily, ideally in the morning or at bedtime.

These official administration guidelines structure the correct use of the supplement by providing explicit volumes, timing constraints, and preparation steps, ensuring the user follows the manufacturer’s instructions as regulated for this product class.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

Phase III Clinical Trials

Studies assessed the effects of the combination of Ferric Ammonium Citrate, Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3), Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), and Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) in populations identified as having nutritional deficiencies. The main clinical trials focused on whether administration of the oral syrup was associated with measurable changes in key hematological parameters over a treatment period typically spanning 8 to 12 weeks.

  • Primary Endpoint Metrics: Research primarily tracked changes in hemoglobin (Hb) levels and the volume of packed red blood cells (hematocrit), which are standard indicators of iron status. Some trials also assessed the influence on serum ferritin levels as a measure of the body's iron stores.
  • Vitamin Status Assessments: Secondary evaluations frequently measured the concentration of folic acid and Vitamin B12 in the blood serum of participants before and after the study period to observe the impact of the supplement on restoring levels of these essential nutrients.

Combination Component Evidence

Research investigated the specific roles of the components:

Component Research Focus Area
Ferric Ammonium Citrate (Iron) The agent’s association with supporting oxygen transport and cellular energy processes.
Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) Studies assessed the maintenance of normal bone health and muscle function, which is linked to Vitamin D status.
B-Vitamins (Folic Acid/B12) Research examined the role of these vitamins in supporting the normal function of the nervous system and red blood cell formation.

Safety Monitoring

Clinical monitoring tracked the occurrence of adverse events in adult participants, including common gastrointestinal effects associated with oral iron supplementation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Sharkoferrol (FAQ)

Q: What is Sharkoferrol used for?

Sharkoferrol is a brand name for a combination product containing ferrous sulfate (an iron salt) and folic acid (vitamin B9). It is primarily used to prevent and treat nutritional anemias, specifically iron deficiency anemia and megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency.

It is often prescribed during pregnancy to help meet the increased demands for iron and folic acid to support maternal and fetal health, and in other conditions where these deficiencies are likely to occur, such as certain diets, blood loss, or malabsorption issues.

Q: How should I take Sharkoferrol?

The correct dosage and frequency for Sharkoferrol are determined by your healthcare provider based on your specific condition and needs.

  • Generally, it is taken by mouth.
  • It may be recommended to take it on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal) for the best absorption of iron.
  • However, if it causes stomach upset (such as nausea or abdominal pain), you may be advised to take it with or immediately after a meal.
  • Do not chew or crush the tablets; swallow them whole with a full glass of water.
  • Do not stop taking the medication unless directed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve quickly.

Q: What are the common side effects of Sharkoferrol?

As with many iron supplements, the most common side effects associated with taking Sharkoferrol are related to the gastrointestinal system. These may include:

  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Darkening of the stools (this is a common and usually harmless effect of unabsorbed iron).

If these side effects are persistent or severe, you should contact your healthcare provider. Your provider may recommend taking the supplement with food to minimize stomach upset.

Q: Can I take Sharkoferrol with other medications or supplements?

Sharkoferrol can interact with several other medications and supplements, which may reduce the effectiveness of either the iron/folic acid or the interacting drug. It is essential to inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you are currently taking.

Key interactions to be aware of include:

  • Antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and H2 blockers (used for heartburn and acid reflux) can reduce iron absorption.
  • Certain antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines, quinolones) should be taken at least 2 to 4 hours apart from Sharkoferrol.
  • Thyroid medications (e.g., levothyroxine) may have reduced absorption when taken concurrently with iron.

Your provider will advise you on the appropriate timing to minimize interactions.

Q: What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Sharkoferrol, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.

Do not take a double dose or two doses at the same time to make up for the missed one. If you frequently miss doses, speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about strategies to help you remember to take your medication.

Q: How long will I need to take Sharkoferrol?

The duration of treatment with Sharkoferrol is highly individualized and depends on the severity of the deficiency and the underlying cause.

  • For mild to moderate iron deficiency, treatment may last for several months to replenish the body's iron stores.
  • Treatment for folate deficiency also typically continues until the deficiency is resolved.

Your healthcare provider will monitor your blood levels (such as hemoglobin and ferritin) periodically to determine when it is safe to stop the medication. It is important to complete the full course as prescribed, even if you feel better sooner.

How should Sharkoferrol be stored and disposed of?

The storage and disposal of this multi-mineral and multi-vitamin supplement are defined by regulatory guidelines to preserve its quality and ensure safety.

Official Storage Requirements

Condition Requirement (Official Labeling)
Temperature Store at a temperature not exceeding 25 C or 30 C
Protection Must be protected from light and stored in a dry area; do not freeze the liquid.
Container Keep the bottle tightly closed to maintain product integrity.
Child Safety Keep out of the sight and reach of children, as required for all iron-containing products.

Disposal Instructions

Official disposal guidance states that unused or expired medicine should not be poured down a sink or toilet. Patients are instructed to consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist to determine how to safely dispose of the product in accordance with local regulations.

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

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