Cleveland Clinic logo
Search

Ferric Citrate Tablets

What is this medication?

FERRIC CITRATE (FER ik SIT trate) prevents and treats high phosphorus levels in people with kidney disease. It works by lowering the amount of phosphorus your body absorbs from food. It may also treat low levels of iron (iron deficiency anemia) in people with kidney disease. Iron is a mineral that plays an important role in making red blood cells, which carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • High levels of iron in the blood
  • Stomach or intestine problems
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to ferric citrate, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. Take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

This medication contains iron. It should be taken at a different time of day than some other medications taken by mouth. Talk to your care team if you are not sure if you should separate the timing of your medications.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Advertisement

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Deferasirox
  • Deferoxamine
  • Dimercaprol

This medication may interact with the following:

  • Certain antibiotics, such as doxycycline and ciprofloxacin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You may need blood work while you are taking this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • High potassium level—muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Constipation
  • Dark stools
  • Diarrhea
  • Metallic taste in mouth
  • Nausea
  • Upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F).

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Advertisement

Copyright ©2026 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of use.

Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

Ad