HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

Does taking over-the-counter iron pills has the same results as taking prescribed ferrous sulfate?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Depends on...: It will be absorbed in the body the same way, but depending on how low the iron level is, you may need to take the prescription one as this has more milligrams of iron.

Answered 3/8/2019

2.9k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

I am anemic however the cause is still unknown Ive gone through multiple test now and have been on ferrous sulfate for 6 weeks. Before the iron my test results werent terrible but still not great my test results now are worse than before?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

I took 2 iron pills containing 65mg with a total of 325 ferrous sulfate I am scare I overdose myself

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

What is the difference between heme iron such as Proferrin, and the more commonly prescribed ones - ferrous gluconate, sulfate?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

I took two pills (65mg) instead of one of ferrous sulfate on accident. I had some coffee, as I heard that can reduce iron absorption. Should I be concerned about overdose? What should I do in the mean time?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Is Carbonyl Iron same as Ferrous Gluconate Iron and Ferrous Sulfate? Dr prescribed me the last one, (for occasions) but heard the others are better?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

I'm anemia I have been taking over the counter iron pills ferrous sulfare .Do I need a prescribe medication?
Diagnosed with restless leg, prescribed ferrous sulfate 325mg 2 times a day which stopped 4 weeks ago. My latest test results were: HGB 18.8, HCT 53.5, Iron 92, Ferritin 70 after stopping iron. Could Iron pills cause this elevated hemoglobin?
My doctor prescribed 65mg of iron ferrous sulfate because of hair loss/low iron, but since I've been taking the pill my hair continues to shed a lot m?
I was prescribed 325mg ferrous sulfate for an iron deficiency six months ago. Though my iron levels are now normal, I woke up very tired, thought it may be due to iron, and took one pill. Will this harm me? I took it 12 hours ago and feel okay?
I was prescribed 325 mg ferrous sulfate..my ferritin was at a 12 yet all other numbers were within normal range. Is this too much iron?

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.