Indications

It is indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of iron, folic acid and zinc deficiency especially during pregnancy and lactation.

Therapeutic Class

Iron, Vitamin & Mineral Combined preparation

Pharmacology

Carbonyl iron is a form of the mineral iron. Iron is important for many functions in the body, especially for the transport of oxygen in the blood. Carbonyl iron is used as a dietary supplement, and to prevent and to treat iron deficiencies and iron deficiency anemia.

Folic acid enhances chemical reactions that contribute to the production of red blood cells, the manufacture of DNA needed for cell replication and the metabolism of amino acids (compounds necessary for the manufacture of proteins).

Zinc is essential to numerous physiological processes, including the function of many enzymes in the body. Deficiency may lead to poor night vision, slow healing of wounds, poor sexual development and function in males, poor appetite (perhaps owing to a decrease in the sense of taste and smell), a reduced ability to ward off infections, diarrhea, dermatitis and in children, retarded growth.

Dosage & Administration

Adults & Elderly: 1 capsule daily. In more severe cases, 2 capsules daily may be required.

Children: (Aged over 1 year): 1 capsule daily. The capsule may be opened and the pellets to be mixed with soft cool food, but they must not be chewed.

Interaction

Carbonyl iron may decrease the absorbption of tetracycline antibiotics, quinolone antibiotics, levodopa, levothyroxine, mrthyldopa and penecillamine. Folic acid interacts with antiepileptics, so plasma concentrations of phenobarbital, phenytoin and primidone are possibly reduced.

Contraindications

This product is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.

Side Effects

Gastrointestinal irritations such as nausea, anorexia, vomiting, discomfort, constipation and diarrhoea may occur. Patients may complain of dark stool. Carbonyl iron pellets are incorporated into the capsules to reduce the possibility of gastrointestinal irritations. Rarely there may be allergic reactions.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Use of any drug during the first trimester of pregnancy should be avoided if possible. Thus administration of iron during the first trimester requires definite evidence of iron deficiency. Prophylaxis of iron deficiency where inadequate diet calls for supplementary zinc and folic acid is justified during the remainder of pregnancy.

Precautions & Warnings

Care should be taken in patients who may develop iron overload, such as those with haemochromatosis, haemolytic anemia or red cell aplasia. Iron chelates with tetracycline and absorption may be impaired.

Overdose Effects

Symptoms of carbonyl iron include decreased energy, nausea, abdominal pain, tarry stool; a weak, rapid pulse, fever; coma; seizures.

Storage Conditions

Store in a dry place below 25°C. Protect from light.