Ferrous Fumarate

Indications

Ferrous Fumarate is used for: Iron deficiency anemia, Iron supplement

Adult Dose

Oral Iron Deficiency, Chronic Hemodialysis with Erythropoietin Treatment 150-200 mg Fe (elemental iron)/day PO; may administer 60-100 mg elemental iron q12hr or up to 60 mg elemental iron q6hr Prophylaxis of Iron Deficiency 60-100 mg Fe (elemental iron)/day PO

Child Dose

Oral Iron-deficiency anaemia Child: As syrup containing 100 mg/5ml. Preterm neonate: 0.6-2.4 ml/kg daily; up to 6 yr: 2.5-5 ml bid.

Renal Dose

Administration

For maximum absorption take on empty stomach, but may take with or after meals to minimize GI irritation

Contra Indications

Patients with a known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients. Hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, hemolytic anemia (unless iron-deficient state is also present)

Precautions

Patients with intestinal strictures and diverticular disease. May worsen diarrhoea in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. May cause constipation and faecal impaction in elderly. Avoid prolonged admin (>6 mth) except in patients with continued bleeding, menorrhagia or repeated pregnancies. Not for routine use in treatment of haemolytic anaemia unless an iron-deficient state exists. Parenteral iron should not be used concurrently with oral iron treatment. Avoid use in patients receiving repeated blood tranfusions. Pregnancy. Lactation: enters breast milk

Pregnancy-Lactation

Interactions

Oral absorption of iron may be increased when taken with ascorbic acid. May reduce the absorption of quinolones and tetracyclines when taken concurrently via the oral route. Concurrent admin with antacids may reduce the absorption of ferrous fumarate from the GI tract. May reduce the absorption of penicillamine in the gut when taken concurrently.

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Ferrous Fumarate : GI disturbance including constipation, diarrhoea, dark stools. Dizziness, Headache, Nausea, Heartburn and epi-gastric pain.

Mechanism of Action

Ferrous fumarate is an iron preparation that is used in the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency. The amount of elemental iron is 330 mg/g of ferrous fumarate.