Ferrous Fumarate

Ferrous fumarate is an iron preparation that is used in the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency. The amount of elemental iron is 330 mg/g of ferrous fumarate.

Iron is an essential component in the formation of hemoglobin; adequate amounts of iron are necessary for effective erythropoiesis. It replaces iron stores found in hemoglobin, myoglobin, and enzymes and works to transport oxygen via hemoglobin.

• Iron Deficiency Anemia: Used for treatment and prevention of iron deficiency anemia.
• Chronic Hemodialysis: Used as iron supplement with erythropoietin treatment.

Oral Iron preparations

Iron Replacement

Ferrous fumarate is an iron preparation that is used in the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency. The amount of elemental iron is 330 mg/g of ferrous fumarate. Iron is an essential component in the formation of hemoglobin; adequate amounts of iron are necessary for effective erythropoiesis.

Ferrous fumarate replaces iron found in hemoglobin, myoglobin and enzymes and allows transportation of oxygen via hemoglobin.

Adult Dose (Oral):

• Iron Deficiency Treatment: 150-200 mg Fe (elemental iron)/day PO; may administer 60-100 mg elemental iron q12hr or up to 60 mg elemental iron q6hr.
• Iron Deficiency Prophylaxis: 60-100 mg Fe (elemental iron)/day PO.

Child Dose (Oral): As syrup containing 100 mg/5ml; preterm neonate: 0.6-2.4 ml/kg daily; up to 6 yr: 2.5-5 ml bid.

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

If you miss a dose of Ferrous Fumarate, 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:

• Patients with intestinal strictures and diverticular disease: caution.
• May worsen diarrhea in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
• May cause constipation and fecal impaction in elderly.
• Avoid prolonged administration (>6 months) except in patients with continued bleeding, menorrhagia or repeated pregnancies.
• Not for routine use in treatment of hemolytic anemia unless iron-deficient state exists.
• Parenteral iron should not be used concurrently with oral iron treatment.
• Avoid use in patients receiving repeated blood transfusions.

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity
• Hemochromatosis
• Hemosiderosis
• Hemolytic anemia (unless iron-deficient state is also present)

Drug Interactions:

• Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C): May increase oral absorption of iron.
• Quinolones and Tetracyclines: May reduce absorption.
• Antacids: May reduce absorption of ferrous fumarate from GI tract.
• Penicillamine: May reduce absorption in the gut.

Food Interactions: It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Ferrous Fumarate; consult your doctor.

Use in Pregnancy: Pregnancy Category: not available; pregnant women typically require increased iron ingestion (see dosing sections).

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

Pediatric Use: Child dosage provided above; doses for preterm neonates and children up to 6 years established.

Geriatric Use: May cause constipation and fecal impaction in elderly; caution required.

Renal Impairment: Indicated for CKD patients (with hemodialysis); dose adjustment may be needed.

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

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.

Ferrous Fumarate