Adults

Typically 150 mg (1 capsule) once daily, preferably with or after meals. Dosage may be adjusted based on the severity of deficiency and patient response.

Elderly

Same as adult dose, but caution may be needed in patients with pre-existing conditions. Start with lowest effective dose.

Renal_impairment

No specific dose adjustment for mild to moderate renal impairment. Use with caution in severe renal impairment, monitoring iron levels.

Onset

Clinical improvement (e.g., increased reticulocyte count) within 3-7 days; significant increase in hemoglobin within 2-4 weeks.

Excretion

Small amounts of iron are lost daily through sweat, urine, feces, and shedding of cells. No specific excretory pathway for excess iron exists, which is why iron overload is a concern.

Half life

Iron has no specific half-life as it is stored and reused. The half-life of absorbed iron in circulation bound to transferrin is short (around 1 hour) before it is taken up by tissues.

Absorption

Iron absorption occurs primarily in the duodenum and upper jejunum. Absorption of Iron Polymaltose Complex (if this is the active ingredient) is via a physiological mechanism, leading to controlled uptake, potentially reducing unabsorbed iron-related side effects. Absorption rate is generally 20-30% but can increase in iron-deficient states.

Metabolism

Iron is not metabolized in the traditional sense; it is utilized in the synthesis of hemoglobin and other iron-containing proteins, and stored as ferritin or hemosiderin.

Levothyroxine

Iron can reduce levothyroxine absorption. Separate by at least 4 hours.

Tetracyclines/Quinolones

Iron interferes with absorption of these antibiotics. Separate by at least 2-4 hours.

Antacids/Calcium supplements

Decrease iron absorption. Separate administration by at least 2-4 hours.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

May reduce iron absorption due to decreased gastric acidity.