Iron deficiency anaemia Flashcards
What is iron deficiency anaemia
Fewer blood cells
Fewer haemoglobin
When should iron be given
Only when there is a deficiency state of iron
Do modified release preps have any advantage
No
What is the normal dosage of iron
100-200mg
How long should you wait for the rise in iron
3-4 weeks
How long should treatment be continued for
3 months
What can you do if you have been getting GI disturbances
Take it with food
When can folic acid and iron be commonly used
In pregnancy
When is parenteral iron usually used
When oral therapy is unsuccessful or not tolerated
In chemo induced anaemia
Haemodialysis patients
What are some examples of parenteral iron
Iron dextran and iron sucrose
Has there ever been any case of serious hypersensitivity reactions?
Yes, especially in patients who have allergies etc already or eczema/ asthma etc. Only give IV when it is truly needed
What are some symptoms of iron deficiency
Tiredness
Concentration and memory problems
Reduced ability to exercise
Hair loss and brittle nails
Sore tongue and corners of the mouth
What can iron do to stools
Can discolour them - make them black
Is iron best absorbed on an empty stomach or full
Empty
What can be given in overdose of iron
Deferoxamine
