Ferrous ascorbate + Folic acid 100 mg elemental iron + 1.5 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Common uses: Treating iron deficiency anaemia (low haemoglobin caused by low iron), as diagnosed by a blood test; Preventing iron and folate deficiency in pregnancy, as your doctor advises.
Listed MRPs range from ₹2.17 to ₹23.28 per tablet across 6 listings.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrous Ascorbate 100mg and Folic Acid 1.5mg TabletsJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹21.66 | ₹2.17 | 19 October 2026 |
| Fericip XT | Cipla Ltd | 10 | ₹139.11 | ₹13.91 | 19 October 2026 |
| Ferrogen XT | Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹152.34 | ₹15.23 | 19 October 2026 |
| Feronia XT | Zuventus Healthcare Ltd | 15 | ₹306.35 | ₹20.42 | 19 October 2026 |
| Orofer XT | Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 15 | ₹349.25 | ₹23.28 | 19 October 2026 |
| Ferium XT | Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 15 | ₹349.25 | ₹23.28 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Treating iron deficiency anaemia (low haemoglobin caused by low iron), as diagnosed by a blood test.
- Preventing iron and folate deficiency in pregnancy, as your doctor advises.
- Building up iron after heavy periods or blood loss, when a doctor recommends it.
How to take it
Take one tablet a day, or as your doctor advises, with a glass of water. You can take iron on an empty stomach for best absorption, but if it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Avoid tea, coffee, milk and eggs for about an hour either side of the dose, as they reduce absorption. Swallow the tablet whole. Iron levels take a couple of months to recover, so keep taking it as advised; your doctor may recheck your haemoglobin after about 4 weeks. If you bought it without a prescription, do not take it for longer than 6 months without seeing a doctor. Keep iron tablets locked away from children – accidental overdose can be fatal.
Side effects
Common
- Constipation or diarrhoea.
- Stomach pain, heartburn or feeling sick.
- Dark or black stools – harmless and expected with iron.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Accidental overdose, especially in children – vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness; get emergency help immediately.
- Black, tarry stools with stomach pain or vomiting blood – may be bleeding, not just iron; see a doctor urgently.
- Allergic reaction – swollen throat or tongue, itchy raised rash or difficulty breathing.
Safety information
Alcohol
No direct interaction, but heavy drinking can irritate the stomach and worsen side effects; keep alcohol low.
Pregnancy
Commonly prescribed in pregnancy for anaemia; take it only as your doctor advises. You can usually take iron while breastfeeding – check with your doctor.
Kidney problems
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease; anaemia in kidney disease may need different treatment.
Liver problems
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease or have been told you have too much iron.
Children
Adult tablets are not for children. Keep them out of reach – a small amount over the recommended dose can be dangerous for a child.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Do not take two doses together.
Interactions
- Antibiotics such as doxycycline and ciprofloxacin – iron reduces their absorption; take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before or after.
- Antacids and medicines or supplements containing calcium, magnesium or zinc – take them at a different time from iron.
- Levothyroxine (thyroid tablets) – take it at least 4 hours apart from iron.
- Tea, coffee, eggs and milk – reduce iron absorption; avoid them around the time of your dose.
Frequently asked questions
Orofer XT tablet uses
Orofer XT contains ferrous ascorbate (100 mg elemental iron) and folic acid 1.5 mg. It is used to treat iron deficiency anaemia and to prevent iron and folate deficiency, for example in pregnancy, as advised by a doctor.
Orofer XT before or after food?
Iron is absorbed best on an empty stomach, but if it causes stomach upset you can take it with food. Avoid tea, coffee and milk around the dose.
Can I take Orofer XT in pregnancy?
Iron and folic acid tablets are commonly prescribed in pregnancy. Take Orofer XT only in the dose your doctor advises.
Why is my stool black after iron tablets?
Dark or black stools are a common, harmless effect of iron. But black, tarry stools with stomach pain or vomiting blood need urgent medical attention.
How long should I take iron tablets?
It can take a couple of months for iron levels to recover. Your doctor may check your blood after about 4 weeks. Do not take iron bought without a prescription for more than 6 months without seeing a doctor.
Orofer XT side effects
Constipation, diarrhoea, stomach pain, heartburn, nausea and dark stools are common. Speak to your doctor if they bother you; taking the tablet with food or on alternate days may help.
Can I take iron tablets with calcium tablets?
Take them at different times. Calcium, antacids, magnesium and zinc reduce iron absorption.
Orofer XT vs Livogen XT – what is the difference?
Both contain ferrous ascorbate 100 mg iron and folic acid 1.5 mg; Livogen XT also contains zinc. Your doctor can say whether you need the zinc.
Sources
- NHS – Ferrous fumarate (19 October 2026)
- NHS – Iron deficiency anaemia (19 October 2026)
- NHS – Iron (19 October 2026)
- MedlinePlus – Iron supplements (19 October 2026)
- MedlinePlus – Levothyroxine (interactions with calcium and iron) (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms