Oral Iron formulations

Generic Name : Oral Iron formulations

TradeName : ADIRON, AGLOW FE, ALAMIN FeZ, ALOHA, ANEMIDOX, ASTYFER, ASTFER-Z, AUTRIN, BIOFER, BIOFERUM FORTE, BLUSH, CAFEKIT, CALSUS, CAPSOVIT, CARBITONE, CARBOFER-Z, COMRON, CONVIRON TR, DEFERON, DEXORANGE, DUROVIT

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Deficiency of iron results in reduced haemoglobin levels and anaemia occurs. Afetr confirmation of iron deficiency, iron therapy can be given. Generally oral iron thearpybis given unless the patient is suffereing form severe anaemia, malabsorbtion syndrome, or showing adverse efefcts to oral iron therapy.

When it is to be taken : Nutritional iron deficiency anaemia, Other causes in which iron deficiency can occur are: Pregnancy, Lactation, infants, children. In pateints with malabsorbtion syndrome, patients who are taking NSAIDs for a long period, patients with chronic inflammatory disease and in patints of gastrectomy. Preparations of iron alone or in combination with Vitamin B 12, folic acid or other vitamins are available.

How it should be taken : Adults: Ferrous Sulphate: 200- 600 mg daily. Ferrous Gluconate: 300- 120 mg daily. Ferrous fumarate: 100-300 mg daily. Children: 3 to 6 mg/kg/day in 2 to 3 divided doses of iron.

Special Instruction :
Contraindications: Haemolytic anaemias, haemochromatosis, haemosiderosis.

Side Effects :
Oral iron: Nausea, epigastric distress, diarrhoea, constipation, black stools. Parentral Iron: Local pain, fever, light headedness, nausea, vomiting, arthralgia, malaise, urticaria, headache and rarely anaphylactic reaction.

Other Precautions :
Occasional GI discomfort e.g. nausea, may be minimised by taking with meals and by slowly increasing to the recommended dosage. To discontinue use if symptoms of intolerance occur.

Storage Conditions :
It is important to keep iron supplements tightly capped and away from childrens reach