Can Iron Tablets Kill You

Iron tablets are available without a prescription and may be perceived as health supplements with minimal toxic potential. When taken in excess, however, iron is far more dangerous than most prescription medications. As few as 10 ferrous sulfate tablets (total of 600 mg elemental iron) can kill a small child.

How many iron pills are lethal?

Iron toxicity can be caused by taking high doses of iron supplements for prolonged periods of time, or by taking a single overdose. Single doses as low as 10 to 20 mg/kg can cause some symptoms of iron toxicity. Medical attention is required at doses greater than 40 mg/kg, and more than 60 mg/kg can be lethal.

What happens if you accidentally take 2 iron pills?

Frequently taking iron supplements that contain more than 20 mg of elemental iron at a time can cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, especially if the supplement is not taken with food. In severe cases, iron overdoses can lead to organ failure, internal bleeding, coma, seizure, and even death.