Anemia drugs Flashcards
What is hematopoeisis?
It is the formation of new blood cells
What are the two reasons for anemia?
Defect of the red blood cell and excessive destruction of RBCs
What is the main drug example of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents?
Epoetin alfa
What is important to give with epoetin alfa?
Oral iron supplements because epoetin is ineffective without iron since iron helps with hemoglobin synthesis
What is the longer acting form of epoetin called?
Darbapoeitin
What are the contraindications of epoeitin alfa?
Uncontrolled hypertension,head and neck cancers
What are the main types of anemias
pernicious, iron deficiency and folic acid deficiency anemias
Where is iron stored in the body?
It is stored in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow
What are the dietary sources of iron?
Meat, vegetables, eggs and grain
What are three examples of oral iron?
Ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulphate
What are parenteral drug examples of iron?
Iron dextran, iron sucrose, and ferric sulphate
What other vitamin is often given with iron supplementation?
They will be given ascorbic acid (Vit C) which helps with absorbing the iron
What foods impede iron absorption?
Milk, beans, eggs
What is a serious adverse effect of iron dextran?
Anaphylaxis
What are the main adverse effects of iron?
Pediatric poisoning death, black tarry stool, constipation, pain from injectable forms
