Ferrous sulfate Flashcards
What is ferrous sulfate?
iron salt used for treating anaemia
What class of drugs does ferrous sulfate belong to?
vitamins and minerals
iron
what are other drugs belonging to the same class as ferrous sulfate?
ferrous fumarate
ascorbic acid
co-methylcobalamin
folic acid
what is ferrous sulfate indicated for?
iron-deficiency anaemia (treatment and prophylaxis)
What is the dose of ferrous sulfate used in iron-deficiency anaemia?
Oral liquid form:
15-30m daily in 3 divided doses (adult)
What is the mechanism of action of ferrous sulfate?
replaces iron stores found in hemoglobin, myoglobin and enzymes
allows transportation of oxygen via hemoglobin
what are the main PK and PD parameters associated with ferrous sulfate use?
PK: irregularly and incompletely absorbed from GIT. Duodenum and jejunum are main sites of absorption. Absorption aided by acid secretion of stomach or by dietary acids. Absorption is increased in conditions of iron deficiency or in the fasting state, decreasing when body stores are overloaded.
Binds to transferrin.
Onset: within 3-10 days (reticulocytes), seeing Increased Hb values by 2-4 weeks.
Elimination: sweat, urine, menses, sloughed intestinal mucosa
What are the precautions associated with ferrous sulfate use?
avoid in peptic ulcer disease, ulcerative colitits, regional enteritis and patients receiving frequent blood transfusions.
avoid use in premature infants until vitamin E stores (which are deficient at birth,) are replenished
avoid administering for >6 months, except in patients with continuous bleeding or menorrhagia.
Unstudied in pregnancy. Drug is excreted in breastmilk.
What are the contraindications associated with ferrous sulfate use?
hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients used in the preparation
hemochromatosis (iron overload)
hemolytic anaemia
What are the adverse reactions associated with ferrous sulfate use?
constipation contact irritation diarrhoea dark stools GI hemorrhage (rare) GI irritation GI obstruction (rare) GI perforation (rare) nausea stomach pain superficial tooth discolourations (oral solutions) urine discolouration vomiting
What are the drug interactions associated with ferrous sulfate use?
Antacids: absorption of oral iron reduced
calcium salts: absorption of oral iron is reduced
antibacterials: oral iron reduces the absorption
bisphosphonates: oral iron reduces the absorption
thyroid hormones: oral iron reduces the absorption
Zinc: both zinc and oral iron absorption is reduced.
What are the alarm bells associated with Ferrous sulfate use?
do not give in hemochromatosis or hemolytic anemia
avoid administering for >6 months except in patients who are continually bleeding or with menorrhagia.
