Ferrous gluconate


Generic Medicine Info
Indications and Dosage
Oral
Iron-deficiency anaemia
Adult: Treatment: 1,200-1,800 mg daily in divided doses. Prevention: 600 mg daily. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries and individual products (refer to specific product guidelines).
Child: 6-12 years Treatment: 900 mg daily in divided doses. Prevention: 300-600 mg daily. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries and individual products (refer to specific product guidelines).
Administration
Should be taken on an empty stomach. Best taken on an empty stomach. May be taken w/ meals to reduce GI discomfort.
Contraindications
Haemochromatosis, haemosiderosis, haemoglobinuria, anaemias not caused by Fe deficiency (e.g. thalassaemia), active peptic ulcer, regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, alcoholism, hepatitis. Patients receiving repeated blood transfusions or parenteral Fe therapy.
Special Precautions
Patient with haemolytic anaemia, Fe absorption disorders, history of peptic ulcer and inflammatory bowel disease; intestinal strictures and diverticulae. Children. Pregnancy and lactation.
Adverse Reactions
Significant: Dental carries (long-term treatment).
Gastrointestinal disorders: Gastrointestinal discomfort, epigastric pain, nausea, heartburn, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, fecal impaction, dark-coloured stool, gastrointestinal mucosal ulceration, necrosis and perforation.
Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Anorexia.
Renal and urinary disorders: Urine discolouration.
Patient Counseling Information
This drug may cause black discolouration of the stool.
Monitoring Parameters
Monitor serum Fe, total Fe binding capacity, Hb, and reticulocyte count.
Overdosage
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, haematemesis, rectal bleeding, CV disorders (e.g. hypotension, tachycardia, circulatory collapse), metabolic changes (e.g. acidosis, hyperglycaemia), CNS depression. Severe symptoms may include shock, convulsions, coma, hepatic necrosis, jaundice, hypoglycaemia, coagulation disorders, oliguria, renal failure, pulmonary oedema, gastrointestinal obstruction, and hepatic damage. Management: Administer an emetic, then perform gastric lavage with desferrioxamine solution 2g/L. This is followed by instillation of desferrioxamine 5 g in 50-100 mL of water to be retained in the stomach. Adult patients may be given mannitol or sorbitol to include small bowel emptying. For severe poisoning, when shock and coma are present, give immediate supportive treatment and administer IV infusion of desferrioxamine 15 mg/kg/hour in children or 5 mg/kg/hour in adults (Max 80 mg/kg/24 hours). In less severe cases, IM desferrioxamine 1 g 4-6 hourly in children or 50 mg/kg (Max 4 g) in adults may be given.
Drug Interactions
May form a chelate with acetohydroxamic acid, resulting in reduced absorption of both drugs. May reduce absorption with antacids containing Ca, Mg, bicarbonates, carbonates, oxalates, or phosphates due to formation of less soluble or insoluble complexes. Reduced absorption of penicillamine, biphosphonates, levodopa, entacapone, mycophenolate mofetil, co-careldopa, Al, Zn salts, thyroxine, and eltrombopag. Reduced absorption of both drugs when administered with tetracycline antibiotics. May impair bioavailability of fluoroquinolones (e.g. ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin) and carbidopa. Delay plasma clearance with oral chloramphenicol. Altered absorption with neomycin. Impaired haematologic response with vitamin E. May reduce hypotensive effect of methyldopa. Reduced absorption with trientine, colestyramine, proton pump inhibitors. Toxic compounds may be formed with concomitant use of dimercaprol. Increased absorption with ascorbic acid.
Food Interaction
Decreased absorption with dietary fibres, tea, coffee, eggs, milk, and cereals.
Lab Interference
May give false positive result for blood in stool by guaiac test.
Action
Description:
Mechanism of Action: Ferrous gluconate is used in the prevention and treatment of iron-deficiency anaemia. It replaces Fe found in Hb, myoglobin and enzymes. It also allows transportation of oxygen via Hb.
Onset: Haematologic response: 3-10 days. Increased in Hb: Approx 2-4 weeks. Reticulocytosis: 5-10 days.
Pharmacokinetics:
Distribution: Enters breastmilk.
Storage
Store between 20-25°C.
MIMS Class
Vitamins & Minerals (Pre & Post Natal) / Antianemics
ATC Classification
B03AA03 - ferrous gluconate ; Belongs to the class of oral iron bivalent preparations. Used in the treatment of anemia.
References
Anon. Ferrous Gluconate. Lexicomp Online. Hudson, Ohio. Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 15/09/2022.

Buckingham R (ed). Ferrous Gluconate. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 15/09/2022.

Ferrous Gluconate 300 mg Tablets (Bristol Laboratories Ltd). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 15/09/2022.

Ferrous Gluconate Tablet (Paddock Laboratories, LLC). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 15/09/2022.

Joint Formulary Committee. Ferrous Gluconate. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 15/09/2022.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Ferrous gluconate from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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