Ferrous Fumarate + Folic Acid

Ferrous Fumarate + Folic Acid is indicated for prophylaxis and treatment of Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy and prevention of megaloblastic anaemia of pregnancy.

Ferrous fumarate is an iron preparation used in the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency. Folic acid is required for nucleoprotein synthesis and the maintenance of normal erythropoiesis and prevents neural tube defects during pregnancy.

• Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy: Used for prophylaxis and treatment of iron deficiency in pregnancy.
• Prevention of Megaloblastic Anemia of Pregnancy: Used for prevention of megaloblastic anemia during pregnancy.

Iron & Vitamin Combined preparations

Iron + Folic Acid

Iron is an essential constituent of the body being necessary for haemoglobin formation and for the oxidative processes of living tissues. Iron deficiency anaemias are most often the result of chronic haemorrhage, nutritional deficiency, pregnancy or parasite infestation or malabsorption of iron. A deficiency of Folic acid typically during pregnancy has long been known to cause a megaloblastic anaemia.

Ferrous fumarate replaces iron found in hemoglobin, myoglobin and enzymes. Folic acid helps in red blood cell formation and prevents neural tube defects.

Adult Dose (Oral):

• One tablet daily; when necessary one tablet may be given twice daily.
• In pregnancy: recommended to start at first antenatal consolation and continue for 3 months after delivery.

For maximum absorption take on empty stomach, but may take with or after meals to minimize GI irritation. If gastrointestinal disturbances, take after meals.

If you miss a dose of Ferrous Fumarate + Folic Acid, take it as soon as possible; however, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dark stools
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Epigastric pain

Precautions:

• Avoid use in patients with active peptic ulcer, repeated blood transfusion, regional enteritis and ulcerative colitis.
• Caution when used in patients with folate-dependent tumours.
• Not recommended for use during 1st trimester of pregnancy.
• Care is needed when treating patients with peptic ulcer.
• Some post-gastrectomy patients show poor absorption of iron.

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity
• Hemochromatosis
• Hemosiderosis
• Hemolytic anemia (unless iron-deficient state is also present)
• Pernicious anemia and anemia other than those due to iron deficiency

Drug Interactions:

• Ferrous Fumarate: Ascorbic acid increases absorption; quinolones, tetracyclines, antacids, penicillamine reduce absorption.
• Folic Acid: Antiepileptics, oral contraceptives, anti-TB drugs, alcohol, aminopterin, methotrexate, pyrimethamine, trimethoprim and sulphonamides may decrease serum folate concentrations; decreases serum phenytoin concentrations.

Food Interactions: Alcohol may decrease serum folate concentrations; avoid alcohol.

Use in Pregnancy: Administration during first trimester may be undesirable; use if definite evidence of iron deficiency; recommended from 13th week of gestation: 1 tablet daily.

Use in Lactation: Iron enters breast milk; considered safe for breastfeeding; breast milk generally provides enough iron to meet infant nutritional requirement.

Pediatric Use: No specific dosage recommendations for children.

Geriatric Use: Use with caution in elderly patients.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution in patients with kidney disease.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution in patients with liver disease.

Overdose: In case of overdose, perform gastric lavage within 4 hours; administer desferrioxamine; give milk and/or 5% sodium bicarbonate solution.

Storage: Keep below 30 degree C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Ferrous Fumarate + Folic Acid