<p>Symptoms of overdosage with iron salts include epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting, haematemesis and circulatory collapse. In severe cases encephalopathy, acute hepatic necrosis and acute renal failure may develop after a latent period. The timed release capsule presentation of ferrous sulfate may delay excessive absorption of iron and allow more time for the initiation of appropriate counter measures. Treatment consists of gastric lavage followed by the introduction of 5 gm desferrioxamine into the stomach. Serum iron levels should be monitored, in severe cases intravenous desferrioxamine should be given together with supportive and symptomatic measures as required.</p>