Ferrous Sulphate + Folic Acid

Indications

Ferrous Sulphate + Folic Acid is used for: Iron and folic acid deficiency in pregnancy

Adult Dose

Oral 1 capsule/tablet 1-2 times daily.

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

Patients with a known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients. Hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, hemolytic anemia.

Precautions

Iron chelates with antacid and tetracycline and absorption of all these may be impaired.

Pregnancy-Lactation

Interactions

Ferrous Sulphate: 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. 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 Ferrous Sulphate + Folic Acid : GI disturbance including constipation, diarrhoea, dark stools. Dizziness, Headache, Nausea, Heartburn and epi-gastric pain.

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.