FERROGRAD ® is a drug based on ferrous sulphate.
THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Anti-anemic.
Indications FERROGRAD ® Ferrous sulphate
FERROGRAD ® is used in the martial therapy of iron deficiency anemic cases, acute or chronic bleeding, and infectious diseases.
FERROGRAD ® can also be used in case of increased need or reduced intake or absorption of dietary iron.
Mechanism of action FERROGRAD ® Ferrous sulphate
The iron sulfonate, taken orally through FERROGRAD ® is effectively absorbed in the proximal portion of the intestine, especially when the patient is fasting. The controlled release formulation uses tablets consisting of a porous and inert resin matrix, impregnated with the iron salt. In this way the release of the mineral occurs after about 1 hour from the intake, when the drug has already reached the duodenal portion, thus minimizing the losses from non-absorption.
Studies on the pharmacokinetics of iron show how its absorption is maximum when administered in small doses and when the body's martial reserves are compromised.
Normally the average daily excretion of this element is about 0.5 - 1 mg, an amount that increases almost double during the menstrual flow.
The anti-anemic action of this element is justified in the forms of iron deficiency anemia, ie determined by iron deficiencies, and following severe or prolonged haemorrhages, which require an intense pull of this mineral important for erythrocyte health (it is part of the structure and hemoglobin formation).
Studies carried out and clinical efficacy
1. IRON SULPHATE AND LACTOPHERRIN IN PREGNANCY
The administration of iron sulphate in pregnant women, characterized by anemic picture, for 30 days, ensured a significant increase in hemoglobin concentrations. However, oral administration of lactoferrin allowed not only an increase in hemoglobin levels, but also an increase in red blood cells and serum iron, thus demonstrating greater efficacy.
2. IRON SULFATE IN THE PRE-OPERATIVE PHASE
Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2010 Oct; 92: 569-72. Epub 2010 Jun 23.
Short course pre-operative ferrous sulphate supplementation - is it worthwhile in patients with colorectal cancer?
Quinn M, Drummond RJ, Ross F, Murray J, Murphy J, Macdonald A.
Iron deficiency anemia, which characterizes patients with colorectal carcinoma, represents a serious risk factor in view of surgery. A short period of iron sulphate supplementation has proved particularly useful both in increasing blood iron concentrations and in reducing the need and quantity of post-operative transfusions.
3. THE IMPORTANCE OF IRON SUPPLEMENTATION IN DONORS
Transfusion. 2008 Jun; 48: 1192-7. Epub 2008 Mar 17.
Short-term ferrous sulfate supplementation in female blood donors.
Maghsudlu M, Nasizadeh S, Toogeh GR, Zandieh T, Parandoush S, Rezayani M.
The intake of iron sulphate for 1 week in blood donors ensured a marked improvement in various haematological parameters, such as blood count, hemoglobin concentration, serum iron and serum ferritin, safeguarding the donor's health and quality of life.
Method of use and dosage
FERROGRAD ® controlled release coated tablets of 595 mg ferrous sulphate.
The administration of one tablet a day, swallowed without chewing, should be sufficient to cover even the most demanding needs of this element.
Any changes in dosage should be decided by the doctor based on the severity of the anemic picture.
IN ANY CASE, BEFORE TAKING FERROGRAD ® Ferrous sulphate - YOU NEED THE PRESCRIPTION AND CONTROL OF YOUR DOCTOR.
Warnings FERROGRAD ® Ferrous sulphate
The assumption of FERROGRAD ® as an antiamenic drug, should be justified by the presence of iron deficiency anemia. For this reason, it is important that the doctor carefully evaluates the clinical and martial picture of the patient.
The oral intake of iron should not occur in the hour before and in the two hours following the intake of antacids and quinolones, which would drastically reduce its absorption.
Excessive iron intake could lead to poisoning.
FERROGRAD ® does not interfere with the driving skills and use of motor vehicles.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
The intake according to the needs, and according to the therapeutic doses, has no side effect on the health of the fetus. The administration of FERROGRAD ® could also have a therapeutic and integrative role in pregnant women and nurses, both characterized by an increased need for this element. .
Interactions
The concomitant administration of iron and tetracyclines, antacids, quinolones or chloramphenicol, could result in a significant reduction in the absorption of both active ingredients.
For this reason it is advisable to distance the iron intake by at least 2 hours from the aforementioned active ingredients.
Iron can also cause a reduction in the absorption of methyldopa and thyroxine, reducing their therapeutic efficacy.
Contraindications FERROGRAD ® Ferrous sulphate
FERROGRAD ® is contraindicated in case of hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, haemolytic anemia and known hypersensitivity to one of its components.
FERROGRAD ® should not be taken in the presence of diverticula and intestinal obstructions, or by patients undergoing transfusion or parenteral iron therapy.
Undesirable Effects - Side Effects
The oral intake of iron could be particularly troublesome in patients hypersensitive to this element, despite the controlled release formulation.
The most documented adverse reactions are diarrhea, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, dark discolouration of stool and allergic reactions.
Excessive doses can lead to acute iron intoxication, characterized by increased vascular permeability, hypovolemia and cardiovascular collapse.
Note
FERROGRAD ® can only be sold under medical prescription.
The information on FERROGRAD ® Ferrous Sulphate published on this page may be out of date or incomplete. For a correct use of this information, see the Disclaimer and useful information page.
