Iron (III) hydroxide polymaltose, folic acid.
Each uncoated chewable tablet contains iron (III) hydroxide polymaltose complex equivalent to elemental iron 100 mg and folic acid 350 mcg.
Haematinic.
Pharmacology: Iron is an essential constituent of the body necessary for haemoglobin formation and for the oxidative processes of living tissue.
Pharmacokinetics: Iron (III) hydroxide polymaltose complex is absorbed much slower than inorganic iron ions or iron from complexes eg, iron ascorbate and shows a different pharmacokinetic profile. The major difference between iron salts and the complex lies in the fact that they show totally different serum invasion and elimination kinetics, particularly in non-anaemic individuals.
Iron deficiency anaemia.
Use in pregnancy: Biofer tablets are for the treatment of latent and manifest iron deficiency and prevention of iron and folic acid deficiency before, during and after pregnancy (during lactation).
Up to 3 tabs daily in divided doses depending on the severity of the anaemia being treated.
The tablets must be chewed.
Symptoms: Gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhoea and vomiting. Large doses of iron salts may have irritant and corrosive effects on the mucosa, and necrosis and perforation may occur; stricture formation may subsequently follow. Symptoms which may not appear for several hours include epigastric pain, diarrhoea, vomiting and haematemesis. Circulatory failure may follow if the diarrhea and haemorrhage are severe. Hours or days later after apparent recovery, metabolic acidosis, convulsions and coma may occur. If the patient survives, symptoms of acute liver necrosis may develop and may lead to death due to hepatic coma.
Treatment: In acute poisoning, use the desferrioxamine procedure. If desferrioxamine is not available, empty the stomach immediately by emesis and lavage using a solution of sodium bicarbonate and leave some of the solution in the stomach. Fluid loss should be replaced by the IV administration of the compound sodium lactate injection or sodium chloride and dextrose injection. Exchange transfusions may be necessary in severe cases. In treating iron poisoning, speed is essential to block absorption of iron from the gastrointestinal tract.
Patients who show hypersensitivity to iron; patients receiving repeated blood transfusions; haemochromatosis; haemosiderosis; thalassemia; sideroblastic anaemia; chronic haemolysis; lead induced anaemia.
Notice to diabetics: Biofer chewable tablets=0.04 bread units per tablet.
In cases of anaemia due to infection or malignancy, the substituted iron is stored in the reticuloendothelium system from which it is mobilized and utilized only after correcting the primary disease.
Biofer tablets are for the treatment of latent and manifest iron deficiency and prevention of iron and folic acid deficiency before, during and after pregnancy (during lactation).
Gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, epigastric pain, black stools.
Biofer should not be simultaneously administered with tetracyclines which may result in diminished absorption of both ingredients. However, note that in vitro studies have shown that iron polymaltose complex is not compatible with tetracyclines.
Absorption of iron salts is decreased in the presence of antacids or when taken with tea. Iron salts appear to reduce the effects of penicillamine.
Store in a cool, dry place.
B03AD - Iron in combination with folic acid ; Used in the treatment of anemia
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