Ferrous sulfate: acute poisoning with a frequent use drug

The iron is the main component of hemoglobin and is also part of myoglobin and enzymes. Its deficit is the most common cause of nutritional anemia in humans. The use of iron salts is very common in children, because they are indicated for prophylaxis and treatment of iron deficiency anemia. The availability in households and the emergence of flavored formulations that promote adherence to treatment, greatly assist in this type of poisoning. Usually, the overdose is considered a low hazard, because it is a mineral supplement added in many of the baby food. Iron in free state is able of producing toxicity, disrupting multiple cellular processes by catalyzing redox reactions with lipid peroxidation and free radical formation. We report a case of serious toxicity by iron salts, in which early intervention and management with specific chelator, allowed a favorable evolution.