Iron (oral)

Indications & Dose:

Nutritional iron deficiency anaemia, other causes in which iron deficiency can occur are: Pregnancy, Lactation, infants, children. In patients with malabsorption syndrome, patients who are taking NSAID’s for long period, patients with chronic inflammatory disease and in patients of gastrectomy. 

DOSE 

Adults

Ferrous sulphate: 200-600mg daily.

Ferrous fumarate: 100-300mg daily. 

Gluconate: 300mg daily.

Ferrous succinate: 100mg daily.

Children

3 to 6 mg/kg/day in 2 to 3 divided doses of iron. 

Drops: 

Upto 2 yrs.Prophylaxis 0.3ml daily; therapeutic 0.6ml 2-3 times a day.
Syp: Up to 1 year, 2.5ml twice daily; 1-5 years 2.5ml 3 times/day; 6-12 years 5ml 3 times/day.

Contraindications:

Haemolytic anaemias, haemochromatosis, haemosiderosis. 

Side Effects:

Nausea, epigastric distress, diarrhoea, constipation, black-stools.

Cautions:

Precautions:

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

Interaction:

Drugs
(Oral iron):

Antacids: GI absorption of iron reduced.

Ascorbic acid: GI absorption of iron enhanced.

Chloramphenicol: Serum iron levels may be increased.

Cimetidine: GI absorption may be reduced.

Levodopa: Decreased levodopa serum levels.

Methyldopa: May result in decreased efficacy of methyldopa.

Quinolones: GI absorption of quinolones decreased.

Penicillamine: Marked reduction in GI absorption of penicillamine.

Tetracyclines: Decrease in the absorption of both tetracyclines and iron salts.

Food: Eggs and milk inhibit iron absorption. Administration of calcium and irons medicaids upplementation with food reduces ferrous sulfate absorption by one-third. If combined iron and calcium supplementation required then calcium carbonate should be used and the supplementation taken between meals. 

Warnings:

Adverse Effects:

Lactations:

Special Precautions:

Counselling:

Side Effects Or Adverse Reactions:

Patient And Carer Advice: