Iron replacement therapy requires significantly lower doses for children. Some experts recommend that all children between one and two be given daily iron drops or iron-fortified vitamins or drinks. It is very important to note, however, that as few as three adult iron tablets can poison children, even fatally. This includes any form of iron pill, so they must be kept out of the reach of children. No one should take a double dose if one is missed.
Full recovery takes six to eight weeks.
This recovery rate holds in people with internal bleeding only if it is under control. Iron replacement therapy must continue for about six months, even if anemia has been reversed. For best absorption, iron should be taken between meals. Iron may cause stomach and intestinal disturbances, however, and some experts believe that low doses of ferrous sulfate can be taken with food and absorbed without side effects. One should always drink a full eight ounces of fluid with an iron pill.