G Iron

• Iron Deficiency Anemia: Used for treatment and prevention of iron deficiency anemia.
• Anemia of Pregnancy: Used when routine administration of iron is necessary in pregnancy.

Ferrous Sulphate has the general properties of iron salts and is one of the most widely used iron salts in the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia. Ferrous sulfate facilitates O2 transport via haemoglobin. It is used as iron source as it replaces iron found in haemoglobin, myoglobin and other enzymes.

Adult Dose (Oral):

• Treatment: 400-600 mg/day in divided doses.
• Prevention: 200 mg/day.

Child Dose (Syrup):

• Under 1 year: 1/4 teaspoonful thrice daily.
• 1-5 years: 1 teaspoonful thrice daily.
• 6-12 years: 1.5 teaspoonful twice daily.

Common Side Effects:

• GI irritation
• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dark stool and discoloration of urine
• Heartburn

Use in Pregnancy: Pregnancy category: Not studied; pregnant women typically require increased iron.

Precautions:

• Avoid use in patients receiving repeated blood transfusions.
• Avoid administration for >6 months except in patients with continuous bleeding.
• Avoid concomitant oral and parenteral iron therapy.
• Caution in iron-storage or iron-absorption diseases (hemochromatosis), hemoglobinopathies; existing GI diseases (inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal strictures, diverticulae, peptic ulcer disease, enteritis or ulcerative colitis).
• Liquid preparations may stain teeth.

Overdose: Iron overdosage is dangerous, especially in children; gastric lavage and desferrioxamine should be administered.

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