Ferolet-TR Plus
Generic Name
Ferrous Fumarate + Folic Acid
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
Loading images...
Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| ferolet tr plus 150 mg capsule | ৳ 2.91 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Ferolet-TR Plus 150 mg Capsule is a haematinic preparation combining time-release ferrous fumarate and folic acid, used for the treatment and prevention of iron deficiency anemia and megaloblastic anemia, especially during pregnancy and lactation.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
One capsule daily, or as directed by physician. May be taken with or without food.
Elderly
Similar to adult dosage, but individual assessment is recommended.
Renal_impairment
Caution advised. Dosage adjustment may be necessary in severe cases. Consult physician.
How to Take
Swallow the capsule whole with water. Do not chew or crush. Best taken at bedtime or on an empty stomach if tolerated, or after meals to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
Mechanism of Action
Ferrous Fumarate provides elemental iron, which is an essential component of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and various enzymes, crucial for oxygen transport and cellular respiration. Folic acid is vital for DNA synthesis, erythropoiesis, and proper neural tube development in fetuses.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Therapeutic effects on hemoglobin levels usually observed after 2-4 weeks.
Excretion
Iron is mainly excreted through feces, sweat, urine, and sloughed cells. Folic acid is primarily excreted in urine.
Half life
Elemental iron has no specific half-life as it's recycled. Folic acid has a plasma half-life of 2-4 hours.
Absorption
Iron (Ferrous Fumarate) is absorbed primarily in the duodenum and upper jejunum. Time-release formulation ensures gradual absorption over several hours. Folic acid is absorbed primarily from the small intestine.
Metabolism
Iron is not metabolized but integrated into proteins like hemoglobin. Folic acid is metabolized in the liver to tetrahydrofolate, its active form.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to any component.
- Hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, or other iron overload disorders.
- Pernicious anemia (without concurrent Vitamin B12 therapy) as folic acid may mask symptoms.
- Active peptic ulcer or inflammatory bowel disease (use with caution).
Drug Interactions
Antacids
May reduce iron absorption. Take iron 2 hours before or 4 hours after antacids.
Phenytoin
Folic acid may reduce phenytoin levels, potentially increasing seizure risk.
Methotrexate
Folic acid may interfere with methotrexate's anti-folate effect.
Thyroid hormones
Iron may reduce absorption of levothyroxine. Separate administration by several hours.
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Enhances iron absorption.
Tetracyclines & Quinolones
Iron may reduce absorption of these antibiotics. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms may include severe gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea), hypotension, metabolic acidosis, and possibly hepatic necrosis in severe cases. Management involves gastric lavage, supportive care, and chelation therapy with deferoxamine in severe iron poisoning.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Category A (Folic Acid) and Category B (Iron) for pregnancy. Generally considered safe and often recommended during pregnancy and lactation to prevent and treat deficiencies, but consult a doctor.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to any component.
- Hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, or other iron overload disorders.
- Pernicious anemia (without concurrent Vitamin B12 therapy) as folic acid may mask symptoms.
- Active peptic ulcer or inflammatory bowel disease (use with caution).
Drug Interactions
Antacids
May reduce iron absorption. Take iron 2 hours before or 4 hours after antacids.
Phenytoin
Folic acid may reduce phenytoin levels, potentially increasing seizure risk.
Methotrexate
Folic acid may interfere with methotrexate's anti-folate effect.
Thyroid hormones
Iron may reduce absorption of levothyroxine. Separate administration by several hours.
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Enhances iron absorption.
Tetracyclines & Quinolones
Iron may reduce absorption of these antibiotics. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms may include severe gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea), hypotension, metabolic acidosis, and possibly hepatic necrosis in severe cases. Management involves gastric lavage, supportive care, and chelation therapy with deferoxamine in severe iron poisoning.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Category A (Folic Acid) and Category B (Iron) for pregnancy. Generally considered safe and often recommended during pregnancy and lactation to prevent and treat deficiencies, but consult a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24 to 36 months from manufacturing date.
Availability
Available in pharmacies nationwide
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory authorities (e.g., DGDA in Bangladesh)
Patent Status
Generic
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials support the efficacy of iron and folic acid supplementation in treating and preventing anemia, especially in high-risk populations. Specific trials for this brand typically demonstrate bioequivalence.
Lab Monitoring
- Hemoglobin (Hb)
- Hematocrit (Hct)
- Serum ferritin
- Transferrin saturation (TSAT)
- Red blood cell indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC)
- Serum folate levels
Doctor Notes
- Advise patients on dietary iron sources and inhibitors.
- Emphasize the importance of adherence to therapy and follow-up for blood tests.
- Counsel patients regarding potential stool discoloration.
- Caution against concurrent use with other iron-containing supplements.
Patient Guidelines
- Take as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.
- Do not chew or crush the capsule; swallow it whole.
- May be taken with food to reduce stomach upset.
- Keep out of reach of children, as iron overdose can be fatal for children.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Generally, Ferolet-TR Plus is not known to impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience dizziness or any other side effects, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in iron (red meat, leafy greens, fortified cereals) and folic acid (leafy greens, legumes, fortified grains).
- Avoid excessive consumption of tea, coffee, and calcium-rich foods around the time of taking the capsule.
Alternative Medicines in Bangladesh
Similar medicines available in the market
Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.