Elemental Iron (carbonyl iron) + Folic Acid
Indications
Elemental Iron (carbonyl iron) + Folic Acid is used for:
Dietary supplement, Iron deficiency anemia, Chronic or acute blood loss, Pregnancy & lactation
Adult Dose
Oral
One capsule daily. In more severe cases, 2 capsules a day may be required
Child Dose
Renal Dose
Administration
For maximum absorption take on empty stomach, but may take with or after meals to minimize GI irritation
Contra Indications
This product is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients. Folic Acid is contraindicated in untreated cobalamine deficiency. Haemolytic anemia.
Precautions
Iron chealates with antacid and tetracycline and absorption of all these may be impaired if taken concurrently. Care should be taken in patients who may develop iron overload, such as those with haemochromatosis, haemolytic anemia or red cell aplasia. Iron chelates with tetracycline and absorption may be impaired.
Lactation: Excreted in breast milk
Pregnancy-Lactation
Interactions
Elemental iron: Antacids may decrease the absorption of carbonyl iron.
Folic acid: Antiepileptics, oral contraceptives, anti-TB drugs, alcohol, aminopterin, methotrexate, pyrimethamine, trimethoprim and sulphonamides may result to decrease in serum folate contrations. Decreases serum phenytoin concentrations.
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Elemental Iron (carbonyl iron) + Folic Acid :
Iron
>10%
Constipation, Diarrhea, Nausea, Epigastric pain, Dark stools, Vomiting
Frequency Not Defined
Hemosiderosis (during long-term administration of large amounts), Urine discoloration, Dental stain by some formulations, Heartburn
Folic acid
Bronchospasm, Erythema, Malaise, Pruritus, Rash, Slight flushing
Mechanism of Action
Iron: Essential component in the formation of hemoglobin; adequate amounts of iron are necessary for effective erythropoiesis; also serves as a cofactor of several essential enzymes, including cytochromes that are involved in electron transport. Replacement of iron stores found in hemoglobin, myoglobin, and enzymes; works to transport oxygen via hemoglobin.
Folic acid: Required for nucleoprotein synthesis and the maintenance of normal erythropoiesis; folic acid is converted in the liver and plasma to its metabolically active form, tetrahydrofolic acid, by dihydrofolate reductase; prevents neural tube defects in women of childbearing potential and higher doses required during pregnancy.