Medicine Information

Fecon-Z

Name: Fecon-Z
Brand: Fecon-Z
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Capsule150 mg Ferrous Fumarate, 20 mg Zinc Sulphate MonohydrateHaematinics, Anti-anaemic preparationsATC: B03AE10

Generic Name

Ferrous Fumarate 150 mg + Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate 20 mg equivalent to elemental Zinc 7.27 mg

Manufacturer

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
fecon z 150 mg capsule	৳ 2.94	৳ 29.40

Description

Overview of the medicine

Fecon-Z 150 mg Capsule is an iron and zinc supplement used to prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia and zinc deficiency, particularly during pregnancy, lactation, and other conditions requiring increased iron and zinc intake.

Uses & Indications

Iron deficiency anemia

Zinc deficiency

Nutritional anemia during pregnancy and lactation

Post-surgical recovery with nutrient loss

Conditions requiring increased iron and zinc intake

Dosage

Adults

Usually 1 capsule daily after food, or as directed by the physician.

Elderly

Same as adult dosage, but caution with concomitant medications and pre-existing conditions.

Renal_impairment

Use with caution; consult physician for dose adjustment in severe cases, as iron overload can be a concern.

How to Take

Take orally with water, preferably after food to minimize gastrointestinal upset. Do not chew or crush the capsule.

Mechanism of Action

Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and various enzymes, playing a crucial role in oxygen transport and cellular respiration. Zinc is vital for numerous enzymatic reactions, immune function, and cell growth.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Clinical effects of iron supplementation (e.g., increased hemoglobin) may take several weeks to months. Zinc benefits can be seen sooner.

Excretion

Iron is excreted minimally, primarily via shedding of intestinal cells. Zinc is primarily excreted via feces, with minor renal excretion.

Half life

Elemental iron does not have a typical plasma half-life as it's incorporated into hemoglobin. Zinc has a relatively long biological half-life, with plasma half-life of about 2.8 hours.

Absorption

Iron is primarily absorbed in the duodenum and upper jejunum, influenced by dietary factors. Zinc absorption occurs mainly in the small intestine.

Metabolism

Iron is largely conserved and recycled in the body. Zinc is not extensively metabolized but is involved in metabolic processes.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hemochromatosis and hemosiderosis (iron overload conditions)
Hypersensitivity to any component
Non-iron deficiency anemia (e.g., megaloblastic anemia without iron deficiency)
Pyloric stenosis or other obstructive gastrointestinal conditions

Drug Interactions

Levothyroxine

Iron may reduce levothyroxine absorption. Separate by 4 hours.

Tetracycline and Quinolone antibiotics

Reduced absorption of both iron/zinc and antibiotics. Take iron/zinc at least 2-4 hours before or after antibiotics.

Antacids, proton pump inhibitors, H2 receptor blockers

May reduce iron absorption. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms include severe gastrointestinal irritation (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain), metabolic acidosis, shock, and liver damage. Seek immediate medical attention. Treatment involves supportive care, gastric lavage, and chelation therapy if severe.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Considered safe and often recommended for iron and zinc supplementation during pregnancy and lactation under medical supervision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 capsules/strip30 capsules/box

Shelf Life

Usually 24-36 months from manufacturing date.

Availability

Pharmacies, Drugstores

Approval Status

Approved by DGDA (Bangladesh)

Patent Status

Off-patent

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of iron and zinc supplementation in deficiency states.

Lab Monitoring

Hemoglobin and Hematocrit levels
Serum ferritin levels
Serum iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
Zinc levels (if deficiency is suspected)

Doctor Notes

Advise patients about potential dark stools and gastrointestinal upset.
Emphasize taking with food to reduce GI side effects.
Counsel on drug and food interactions, particularly with antacids and dairy.
Regular monitoring of iron parameters is crucial during prolonged therapy.

Patient Guidelines

Take with a full glass of water.
Avoid taking with milk, tea, or coffee.
Vitamin C can enhance iron absorption, so taking with orange juice may be beneficial.
Report any severe gastrointestinal side effects to your doctor.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Driving Precautions

Fecon-Z is generally not expected to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain a balanced diet rich in iron (red meat, spinach, lentils) and zinc (nuts, legumes, whole grains).
Regular exercise can improve overall health.