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Generic

Ferric Maltol

13 brands available in the market

At a glance

Ferric Maltol is an oral iron replacement product used for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in adults.

Description

Ferric Maltol delivers iron for uptake across the intestinal wall and transfer to transferrin and ferritin. It has been shown to increase serum iron parameters, including ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT).

Ferric Maltol capsule should be taken orally, preferably on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

Indications
  • Iron Deficiency Anemia: Used for the treatment of iron deficiency in adults.
Therapeutic class

Oral Iron preparations

Pharmacological class

Iron Replacement (Oral)

Pharmacology

Ferric Maltol delivers iron for uptake across the intestinal wall and transfer to transferrin and ferritin. It has been shown to increase serum iron parameters, including ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT).

Mechanism of action

Ferric Maltol supplements iron stores found in hemoglobin, myoglobin, and enzymes; works to transport oxygen via hemoglobin.

Dosage

Adult Dose (Oral):

  • 30 mg twice daily.
  • Continue as long as necessary until ferritin levels are within normal range.
  • Treatment duration depends on severity of iron deficiency but generally at least 12 weeks of treatment is required.
Administration

Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Do not open, break or chew the capsule. Swallow whole.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Ferric Maltol, take it as soon as possible; however, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.

Side effects

Common Side Effects (1-10%):

  • Flatulence (4.6%)
  • Diarrhea (4%)
  • Constipation (4%)
  • Discolored feces (4%)
  • Abdominal pain (2.9%)
  • Nausea (1.7%)
  • Vomiting (1.7%)
  • Abdominal discomfort (1.1%)
  • Abdominal distension (1.1%)
Precautions & warnings

Precautions:

  • Avoid use in patients with active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flare (risk of increased GI inflammation).
  • Do not administer to patients with evidence of iron overload or patients receiving IV iron.
  • Assess iron parameters before initiating treatment and monitor during therapy.
  • Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6 years; keep out of reach of children.
Contraindications

Contraindications:

  • Hypersensitivity
  • Hemochromatosis and other iron overload syndromes
  • Patients receiving repeated blood transfusions
Drug interactions

Drug Interactions:

  • Dimercaprol: May increase risk of nephrotoxicity; avoid concomitant use.
  • Mycophenolate, Ethynyl estradiol, Ciprofloxacin, Doxycycline: May decrease bioavailability; separate by at least 4 hours.
Food interactions

Food Interactions: Food decreases bioavailability of iron; take on empty stomach.

Use in pregnancy

Use in Pregnancy: Not absorbed systemically as an intact complex following oral administration; fetal exposure not expected.

Pregnancy Category: N/A — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.

Use in lactation

Use in Lactation: No data on presence in human milk; not absorbed systemically as an intact complex following maternal oral administration.

Pediatric use

Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness not established.

Geriatric use

Geriatric Use: No specific dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients.

Renal / hepatic impairment

Renal Impairment: Safe for patients with kidney disease.

Hepatic Impairment: Safe for patients with liver disease.

Overdose effects

Overdose: Early signs: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea; serious cases: hypoperfusion, metabolic acidosis, systemic toxicity; excess dosages may lead to hemosiderosis.

Storage conditions

Storage: Store below 25 degree C in a cool and dry place protected from light. Keep away from reach of children.

Chemical structure

Ferric Maltol

Common questions

Q1: What is Ferric Maltol used for?
It is used for iron deficiency anemia in adults.
Q2: How to take it?
30 mg twice daily on empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals).
Q3: What are the side effects?
Flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, discolored feces, abdominal pain, nausea.
Q4: Who should not use it?
Patients with hemochromatosis, iron overload, repeated blood transfusions, hypersensitivity.
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only — not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.