Table 3

A comparison of oral iron preparations available in the UK (February 2021)

Formulation	Preparation	Dose	Elemental iron	Cost/£*
Ferrous sulfate	Tablet	200 mg	65 mg	1.00†
	Drops	125 mg/mL	25 mg/mL	60.00
	MR tablet‡	325 mg	105 mg	2.58
	MR capsule‡	150 mg	48 mg	3.95
Ferrous sulfate with ascorbic acid	MR tablet‡	325 mg	105 mg	3.20
Ferrous sulfate with folic acid	MR tablet‡	325 mg	105 mg	2.64
Ferrous gluconate	Tablet	300 mg	37 mg	2.18
Ferrous fumarate	Tablet	210 mg	69 mg	1.33
	Capsule	305 mg	100 mg	1.40
	Tablet	322 mg	106 mg	1.00
	Liquid	140 mg/5 mL	45 mg/5 mL	4.00
Ferrous fumarate with folic acid	Tablet	322 mg	106 mg	1.25
Ferric maltol	Tablet	30 mg	30 mg	47.60
Sodium feredate	Liquid	190 mg/ 5 mL	27.5 mg/5 mL	8.37
Multivitamins with iron	Various	Various	Up to 14 mg	~1.00§

*Indicative approximate cost per 28 days calculated from drug tariff prices for preparations available on prescription (British National Formulary (BNF)—February 2021). Figures based on once-daily dosing for all standard preparations (50–100 mg elemental iron daily), and licenced dose of 30 mg two times a day for ferric maltol. Exact prices will vary with local purchasing arrangements.
†Ferrous sulfate 200 mg tablets are available for purchase at pharmacies in the UK (approximate cost—£2.50 for 28 days for 200 mg once a day).
‡Modified release (MR) preparations are indicated in the BNF as less suitable for prescribing.
§Available for over-the-counter purchase at supermarkets and pharmacies.