Medicine Information

Ferrum

Name: Ferrum
Brand: Ferrum
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Syrup200 mg elemental iron per dose (e.g., 10-15 mL)Anti-anemic Preparations, Oral Iron PreparationsATC: B03AA07

Generic Name

Iron (as Ferrous Sulfate or equivalent)

Manufacturer

Generic Pharma Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
ferrum 200 mg syrup	৳ 24.89	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

Ferrum 200 mg Syrup is an oral iron supplement used to prevent and treat iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. Iron is an essential mineral required for the formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body.

Uses & Indications

Treatment and prophylaxis of iron deficiency anemia

Iron supplementation during pregnancy and lactation

Iron deficiency due to chronic blood loss (e.g., menorrhagia, gastrointestinal bleeding)

Iron deficiency associated with inadequate dietary intake or malabsorption

Dosage

Adults

The usual adult therapeutic dose for iron deficiency anemia is 100-200 mg elemental iron per day, often divided into 1-2 doses. For Ferrum 200 mg syrup, this might involve 10-15 mL once or twice daily, as directed by a physician.

Elderly

Similar to adult dosage, but with caution to monitor for gastrointestinal side effects and potential for iron overload if prolonged use is not monitored. Start with a lower dose if necessary.

Renal_impairment

No specific dose adjustment is generally required. However, caution is advised in patients with chronic renal failure receiving erythropoietin, as iron requirements may vary and iron overload can occur.

How to Take

Take orally. For best absorption, it is usually taken on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals). If gastric upset occurs, it may be taken with food, but this may reduce absorption. Avoid taking with milk, tea, or coffee. Can be mixed with water or fruit juice (except grape juice).

Mechanism of Action

Iron is a vital component of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and various enzymes. It plays a crucial role in oxygen transport and cellular respiration. When administered orally, iron replaces depleted iron stores and provides the necessary iron for erythropoiesis (red blood cell production), thereby increasing hemoglobin levels and alleviating symptoms of anemia.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Hematological response (reticulocytosis) usually begins within 3-10 days, with an increase in hemoglobin levels within 2-4 weeks. Full correction of anemia may take several months.

Excretion

Excretion of iron is minimal and occurs primarily via desquamation of skin and mucosal cells, bile, sweat, and urine. There is no regulated excretory pathway for iron.

Half life

Elemental iron itself does not have a conventional plasma half-life; it is incorporated into proteins and stored. Its removal from plasma is rapid as it binds to transferrin.

Absorption

Iron is absorbed primarily in the duodenum and upper jejunum. Absorption is regulated by body iron stores and erythropoietic activity, with higher absorption rates in iron-deficient individuals. Food, certain drugs, and specific dietary components can affect absorption.

Metabolism

Iron is not metabolized in the conventional sense. It is incorporated into hemoglobin, myoglobin, and other iron-containing proteins, or stored as ferritin and hemosiderin in various tissues.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hemochromatosis (a genetic disorder causing iron overload)
Hemosiderosis (excessive accumulation of iron in tissues)
Non-iron deficiency anemia (e.g., thalassemia, megaloblastic anemia unless iron deficiency also present)
Hypersensitivity to iron preparations
Frequent blood transfusions

Drug Interactions

Methyldopa

Concurrent use may reduce the hypotensive effect of methyldopa and decrease iron absorption.

Levothyroxine

Iron may decrease levothyroxine absorption. Separate administration by at least 4 hours.

Penicillamine

Iron may reduce the absorption of penicillamine. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Enhances iron absorption, often prescribed together.

Tetracyclines, Fluoroquinolones

Iron may reduce the absorption of these antibiotics, and vice-versa. Separate administration by at least 2-3 hours.

Antacids, Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), H2-receptor blockers

May decrease iron absorption. Take iron 2 hours before or 4 hours after these medications.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed.

Overdose

Symptoms of acute iron overdose include severe gastrointestinal irritation (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea), followed by pallor, cyanosis, lethargy, circulatory collapse, and potentially coma. Management involves gastric lavage, chelation therapy with deferoxamine, and supportive care. Immediate medical attention is crucial.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Iron supplementation is generally safe and often recommended during pregnancy and lactation to prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia in both mother and infant. Consult a doctor for appropriate dosage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

100 mL syrup200 mL syrup

Shelf Life

Typically 2-3 years from the date of manufacture, refer to the product label for exact expiry date.

Availability

Pharmacies, Hospitals

Approval Status

Generally approved and widely available

Patent Status

Off-patent

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Iron supplementation is a well-established medical practice, and numerous clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of oral iron preparations in treating iron deficiency anemia. Specific trials for a generic Ferrum 200 mg syrup may exist, but the general efficacy of iron is well-documented.

Lab Monitoring

Hemoglobin and Hematocrit levels (to assess response to therapy)
Serum Ferritin (to monitor iron stores)
Serum Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
Reticulocyte count (to assess erythropoietic activity)

Doctor Notes

Emphasize the importance of patient compliance for effective treatment of iron deficiency anemia.
Educate patients on potential gastrointestinal side effects and methods to mitigate them (e.g., taking with food, starting with lower doses).
Advise patients on drug and food interactions that can affect iron absorption.
Monitor hemoglobin, ferritin, and other iron indices regularly during therapy.

Patient Guidelines

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Keep out of reach of children.
Report any severe side effects to your doctor.
Do not stop taking the medicine abruptly without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose Advice

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Driving Precautions

Ferrum syrup is not known to impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience dizziness or fatigue, avoid driving.

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain a balanced diet rich in iron-containing foods (red meat, poultry, fish, beans, fortified cereals).
Consider consuming Vitamin C rich foods or supplements to enhance iron absorption.