G-Iron Folic Acid
Generic Name
Ferrous Gluconate and Folic Acid Tablet
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| g iron folic acid 308 mg tablet | ৳ 0.20 | ৳ 2.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
G-Iron Folic Acid 308 mg Tablet is a combination of ferrous gluconate (an iron salt) and folic acid. It is primarily used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia and megaloblastic anemia, especially during pregnancy and lactation, or in conditions of increased nutritional demands.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
One tablet once daily, or as directed by a physician. The duration of therapy depends on the severity of the deficiency and response to treatment.
Elderly
No specific dosage adjustment is usually required for elderly patients, but use with caution and monitor for gastrointestinal side effects.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution. Dosage adjustment may be required in severe renal impairment. Consult a physician.
How to Take
For oral administration. The tablet can be taken with or after food to minimize gastrointestinal upset. Avoid taking with antacids, tea, coffee, or calcium-rich foods as they may impair iron absorption.
Mechanism of Action
Iron (as ferrous gluconate) is an essential component of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and various enzymes, crucial for oxygen transport and cellular respiration. Folic acid is vital for erythropoiesis (red blood cell formation), DNA synthesis, and cell division, preventing megaloblastic changes in red blood cells.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Hematological response (reticulocytosis) usually begins within a few days to a week. Clinical improvement in symptoms like fatigue may be noticed within 2-4 weeks.
Excretion
Elemental iron is minimally excreted; most is lost through desquamation of cells (skin, gut lining), sweat, and minor bleeding. Folic acid and its metabolites are primarily excreted in the urine, and some in bile.
Half life
Iron's half-life is complex due to its storage and recycling. Folic acid's plasma half-life is approximately several hours (3-6 hours) for unbound folate.
Absorption
Iron (ferrous form) is absorbed primarily in the duodenum and upper jejunum, with absorption being higher in deficient states. Folic acid is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, mainly from the proximal small intestine.
Metabolism
Iron is mostly stored in the body (as ferritin and hemosiderin) and recycled. Folic acid is metabolized in the liver to tetrahydrofolate (THF), its active form.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to ferrous gluconate, folic acid, or any component of the tablet
- Patients with hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, or other iron overload disorders
- Patients receiving repeated blood transfusions
- Aplastic anemia (unless iron deficiency is also present)
- Non-iron deficiency anemias (e.g., Thalassemia major, sideroblastic anemia)
Drug Interactions
Levothyroxine
Iron may reduce the absorption of levothyroxine. Separate administration by at least 4 hours.
Bisphosphonates
Iron can interfere with bisphosphonate absorption. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.
Chloramphenicol
May delay the response to iron therapy.
Tetracyclines/Quinolones
Iron salts can reduce the absorption of tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics. Administer iron at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after these antibiotics.
Antacids/Calcium supplements
May reduce iron absorption. Administer iron at least 2 hours before or after antacids/calcium.
Sulfasalazine, Methotrexate, Antiepileptics
May reduce folic acid levels or interfere with its metabolism.
Storage
Store in a cool (below 30°C) and dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of acute iron overdose include severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, lethargy, weak rapid pulse, hypotension, and circulatory collapse. Folic acid overdose is generally non-toxic. In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Treatment involves supportive measures, gastric lavage, and chelation therapy with deferoxamine if indicated.
Pregnancy & Lactation
G-Iron Folic Acid is generally considered safe and essential during pregnancy and lactation for preventing and treating iron and folic acid deficiencies. It is often prescribed to support maternal and fetal health.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to ferrous gluconate, folic acid, or any component of the tablet
- Patients with hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, or other iron overload disorders
- Patients receiving repeated blood transfusions
- Aplastic anemia (unless iron deficiency is also present)
- Non-iron deficiency anemias (e.g., Thalassemia major, sideroblastic anemia)
Drug Interactions
Levothyroxine
Iron may reduce the absorption of levothyroxine. Separate administration by at least 4 hours.
Bisphosphonates
Iron can interfere with bisphosphonate absorption. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.
Chloramphenicol
May delay the response to iron therapy.
Tetracyclines/Quinolones
Iron salts can reduce the absorption of tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics. Administer iron at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after these antibiotics.
Antacids/Calcium supplements
May reduce iron absorption. Administer iron at least 2 hours before or after antacids/calcium.
Sulfasalazine, Methotrexate, Antiepileptics
May reduce folic acid levels or interfere with its metabolism.
Storage
Store in a cool (below 30°C) and dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of acute iron overdose include severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, lethargy, weak rapid pulse, hypotension, and circulatory collapse. Folic acid overdose is generally non-toxic. In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Treatment involves supportive measures, gastric lavage, and chelation therapy with deferoxamine if indicated.
Pregnancy & Lactation
G-Iron Folic Acid is generally considered safe and essential during pregnancy and lactation for preventing and treating iron and folic acid deficiencies. It is often prescribed to support maternal and fetal health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Numerous clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of iron and folic acid supplementation for the prevention and treatment of anemias, particularly in vulnerable populations like pregnant women.
Lab Monitoring
- Hemoglobin (Hb) levels
- Hematocrit (Hct)
- Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)
- Serum Ferritin (to assess iron stores)
- Serum Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
- Folate levels (if megaloblastic anemia is suspected)
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize patient education on proper administration to optimize absorption and minimize GI side effects.
- Advise patients about the normal occurrence of dark stools and the importance of keeping the medicine away from children.
- Monitor hemoglobin and ferritin levels periodically to assess treatment response and prevent iron overload.
Patient Guidelines
- Take the medicine as prescribed by your doctor, do not exceed the recommended dose.
- Do not stop treatment early, even if you feel better, unless advised by your doctor.
- Keep out of reach and sight of children, as iron overdose can be fatal for them.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light and moisture.
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 resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
This medicine is not known to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Incorporate iron-rich foods (e.g., red meat, fortified cereals, spinach, lentils) and folate-rich foods (e.g., leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans) into your diet.
- Avoid consuming tea, coffee, or dairy products immediately before or after taking your iron supplement to maximize absorption.
- Maintain adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water.
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