Indications

Prevention of iron deficiency in pregnancy.

Contraindication

Anaemia other than those due to Fe deficiency (e.g. megaloblastic anaemia due to vit B12 deficiency), paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria, haemosiderosis, haemochromatosis and haemoglobinopathies, active peptic ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease, including regional enteritis and ulcerative colitis, intestinal strictures and diverticulae. Patients requiring repeated blood transfusion.

Special Precautions

Patient w/ folate dependent tumours, erythropoietic protoporphyria, history of peptic ulcer. Pregnancy and lactation. Patient Counselling This drug may colour the stool black.

Side Effects

GI: Nausea, anorexia, vomiting, constipation or diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, heartburn, black stool. Dermatologic: Allergic reactions.

Drug Interactions

Fe chelates w/ tetracyclines, absorption of both agents may be impaired; it also chelates w/ acetohydroxamic acid, reducing the absorption of both. Reduced absorption w/ antacids and PPIs, neomycin, cholestyramine, Ca, oral Mg salts and other mineral supplements, Zn and trientine. May form insoluble complexes w/ bicarbonates, carbonates, oxalates, or phosphates, thus absorption is reduced. Increased absorption w/ ascorbic or citric acid. Chloramphenicol delays plasma clearance and incorporation of Fe into red blood cells by interfering w/ erythropoiesis. Reduces the hypotensive effect of methyldopa. May form toxic complexes w/ dimercaprol. Reduces the absorption of fluoroquinolones, levodopa, carbidopa, entacapone, bisphosphonates, penicillamine, thyroid hormones, mycophenolate, cefdinir and Zn. May reduce the absorption of eltrombopag (give at least 4 hr apart). Folic acid: May reduce serum levels of anticonvulsants (e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone). Reduced absorption w/ sulfasalazine. May interfere w/ the action of raltitrexed.

Route of Administration

Oral

Dosage

As directed by the physician