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BLOOD AND BLOOD FORMING ORGANS › ANTIANEMIC PREPARATIONS › IRON PREPARATIONS › Iron bivalent, oral preparations
ferrous sulfate
B03AA07
Forms & Strengths
- Tablet: 325 mg (65 mg elemental iron)
- Capsule, extended-release: 150 mg (50 mg elemental iron)
- Elixir: 220 mg/5 mL (44 mg elemental iron/5 mL)
- Solution, oral drops: 75 mg/0.6 mL (15 mg elemental iron/0.6 mL)
Adult Dosing
- Iron deficiency anemia: 65 mg elemental iron 1 to 3 times daily
- Prophylaxis in pregnancy: 60 mg elemental iron daily
Pediatric Dosing
- Infants and children (>1 month): Iron deficiency anemia: 3 to 6 mg/kg/day of elemental iron divided in 3 daily doses
- Prophylaxis in low birth weight infants: 2 to 4 mg/kg/day of elemental iron up to a maximum of 15 mg/day starting at 1 month of age
Indications
- Treatment of iron deficiency anemia
- Prevention of iron deficiency
Mechanism of Action
- Replaces iron found in hemoglobin, myoglobin, and other enzymes
- Allows the transportation of oxygen via hemoglobin through the body
Contraindications
- Hemochromatosis
- Hemosiderosis
- Hemolytic anemia
- Active peptic ulcer disease or regional enteritis (oral iron)
Adverse Reactions
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Epigastric pain
- Dark or black stools
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Drug Interactions
- Antacids and proton pump inhibitors decrease iron absorption
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) increases iron absorption
- Decrease absorption of fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, levothyroxine, and bisphosphonates due to chelation
- Chloramphenicol may delay iron response
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use