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BLOOD AND BLOOD FORMING ORGANS › ANTIANEMIC PREPARATIONS › IRON PREPARATIONS › Iron bivalent, oral preparations
ferrous chloride
B03AA05
Forms & Strengths
- Oral solution: 40 mg elemental iron per 5 mL
- Oral drops: 15 mg elemental iron per 0.6 mL
Adult Dosing
- Iron deficiency anemia: 60 to 120 mg elemental iron daily divided in 2 to 3 doses
- Prophylaxis: 60 mg elemental iron daily
Pediatric Dosing
- Infants and children (>1 month): 3 to 6 mg elemental iron/kg/day divided in 3 doses for iron deficiency anemia
- Prophylaxis in low birth weight infants: 2 mg/kg/day starting at 1 month of age
Indications
- Treatment of iron deficiency anemia
- Prevention of iron deficiency in high-risk populations such as infants and pregnant women
Mechanism of Action
- Replaces iron found in hemoglobin, myoglobin, and other enzymes
- Allows the transportation of oxygen via hemoglobin through the binding of ferrous iron to porphyrin and globins
Contraindications
- Hemochromatosis
- Hemosiderosis
- Hemolytic anemia
- Known hypersensitivity to iron salts
Adverse Reactions
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dark stools
- Epigastric pain
Drug Interactions
- Antacids and proton pump inhibitors decrease iron absorption
- Decreases absorption of fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, and levothyroxine
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) increases iron absorption
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use