Iron overdose is poisoning that occurs when you take an excessive amount of supplements that contain iron.

Iron

Iron is an ingredient in many mineral and vitamin supplements. Iron supplements are also sold by themselves. Types include:

• Ferrous sulfate (Feosol, Slow Fe)
• Ferrous gluconate (Fergon)
• Ferrous fumarate (Femiron, Feostat)

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Body as a whole

• Dehydration
• Low blood sugar
• Accumulation of fluids in the lungs
• Fever

Skin

• Bluish colored lips and fingernails
• Loss of color from the skin (pallor)
• Flushing

Gastrointestinal

• Vomiting blood
• Diarrhea
• Black and, possibly, bloody stools
• Nausea
• Scarring of stomach and bowels (in serious cases)
• Metallic taste in mouth

Heart and blood vessels

• Low blood pressure
• Fast and weak pulse

Nervous system

• Drowsiness
• Lack of desire to do anything
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Chills
• Shock
• Coma (may occur within 1/2 to 1 hour after overdose)
• Convulsions