Iron Flashcards
What are examples of drugs given for iron deficiency?
- Ferrous fumarate
- Ferrous sulfate
When would you give oral iron supplementation?
Treatment of iron-deficiency anaemia
Prophyaxis of iron-deficiency anaemia in:
- Poor diet
- Malabsorption
- Menorrhagia
- Gastrectomy
- Haemodialysis
- LBW
What is the mechanism of action of iron supplementation?
It is required for synthesis of the haem component of haemoglobin, which gives RBCs the ability to carry oxygen. Best absorbed in the ferrous state. Once absorbed, it is bound to transferrin which transports it either to be used in the bone marrow for erythropoesis, or to be stored as ferritin in the liver, RE system, bone marrow spleen and muscle
What are important adverse effects of iron supplementation?
- GI upset - nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, constipation, diarrhoea
- Malaena
When should you use iron supplementation with caution?
Intestinal disease - IBS, diverticular disease, strictures -> may worsen symptoms
How muc elemental iron do you need per day to treat iron-deficiency anaemia?
100-200g per day
How long would you continue a prescription of ferrous sulfate for to replenish iron stores?
3 months
What dose of ferrous sulfate would you prescribe someone for iron-deficiency anaemia?
200mg 2-3 times per day
How might you reduce side effects of iron supplementation?
Take with meals
How would you monitor iron supplementation?
Hb and FBC
How long before ednoscopy should iron supplementation be stopped?
7-days - turns stools black and sticky, making bowels sticky to visualise on endoscopy
