Ferrous Ascorbate
Indications
Ferrous Ascorbate is used for:
Iron deficiency anemia
Adult Dose
One capsule daily. In more severe cases, 2 capsules a day may be required.
Child Dose
Renal Dose
Administration
Contra Indications
Patients with a known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients. Haemochromatosis, haemolytic anemia.
Precautions
Care should be taken in patients who may develop iron overload, such as those with haemochromatosis, haemolytic anaemia or red cell aplasia. Iron chelates with tetracycline and absorption may be impaired.
Pregnancy-Lactation
Interactions
Concurrent admin with antacids/H2 antagonists may reduce absorption of iron. Chloramphenicol may delay response to iron. Iron may reduce the absorption of levodopa, methyldopa and penicillamine when given together. Absorption may be reduced when used with quinolones or tetracyclines.
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Ferrous Ascorbate :
GI symptoms e.g. stomach cramping, constipation, nausea, vomiting, dark stools, heartburn, diarrhea, teeth staining, urine discoloration.
Mechanism of Action
Ferrous ascorbate is a synthetic molecule of ascorbic acid and iron. Ferrous ascorbate is a stable complex of iron and ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid plays an important role in movement of plasma iron to storage depots in tissues. There is also evidence that ascorbic acid improves iron utilization, by its reducing action and it may have direct effect on erythropoiesis. This molecule doesn’t dissociate on entering GI Tract due to the stable chelate of iron with ascorbate. There is no action of food inhibitors on it as the complex does not dissociate. Ascorbate is a reducing agent and prevents oxidation. Thus maintains iron in highly soluble ferrous form.