Ferrous Gluconate

Indications

Ferrous Gluconate is used for: Iron deficiency anemia

Adult Dose

Oral Iron-deficiency anaemia Adult: Expressed in terms of elemental iron. Treatment: 60 mg bid up to 60 mg 4 times daily. Prevention: 60 mg daily.

Child Dose

Oral Iron-deficiency anaemia Child: Expressed in terms of elemental iron. Treatment: Severe: 4-6 mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses; Mild to moderate: 3 mg/kg/day in 1-2 divided doses. Prevention: 1-2 mgkg/day.

Renal Dose

Administration

Should be taken on an empty stomach. Best taken on an empty stomach. May be taken w/ meals to reduce GI discomfort.

Contra Indications

Haemochromatosis, haemolytic anemia.

Precautions

Avoid in patients with peptic ulcer, enteritis, or ulcerative colitis and those who receive frequent blood transfusions. Not to be used in premature infants until the vitamin E stores (deficient at birth) are replenished. Avoid prolonged treatment (>6 mth) except in patients with continuous menorrhagia or bleeding. Lactation: Distributed in breast milk, considered safe for breast feeding; breast milk generally provides enough iron to meet infant nutritional requirement; amount of iron in breast milk typically not influenced by maternal iron status

Pregnancy-Lactation

Pregnancy Category: A; pregnant women typically require increased iron ingestion to meet dietary requirements (see dosing sections) Lactation: Distributed in breast milk, considered safe for breast feeding; breast milk generally provides enough iron to meet infant nutritional requirement; amount of iron in breast milk typically not influenced by maternal iron status

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. Concurrent admin with vitamin C may increase iron absorption.

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Ferrous Gluconate : GI symptoms e.g. stomach cramping, constipation, nausea, vomiting, dark stools, heartburn, diarrhea, teeth staining, urine discoloration.

Mechanism of Action

Ferrous gluconate is used in the prevention and treatment of iron-deficiency anaemia. It replaces iron found in haemoglobin, myoglobin and enzymes. It also allows transportation of oxygen via haemoglobin.