Hemax-TR
Generic Name
Ferrous Ascorbate + Folic Acid
Manufacturer
Various Pharmaceutical Companies
Country
Global, often manufactured locally
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| hemax tr 47 mg tablet | ৳ 3.00 | ৳ 30.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Hemax-TR 47 mg tablet is a combination medication containing ferrous ascorbate (an iron supplement) and folic acid (a B vitamin). It is primarily used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia, especially during pregnancy, lactation, and other conditions of increased iron and folate requirements.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typically one tablet once daily, or as directed by the physician. Dosage may vary based on severity of deficiency.
Elderly
Same as adult dosage, but caution with comorbid conditions.
Renal_impairment
No specific dose adjustment required, but monitor iron levels. Use with caution in patients on dialysis.
How to Take
Oral administration. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water, preferably on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) for better absorption. If gastrointestinal upset occurs, it may be taken with food.
Mechanism of Action
Ferrous ascorbate provides elemental iron, which is a crucial component of hemoglobin, essential for oxygen transport. Folic acid is required for erythropoiesis (red blood cell production), DNA synthesis, and cell growth, particularly important for the rapid cell division occurring in the bone marrow.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Symptomatic improvement may be seen within a few days; significant hematological response typically within 2-4 weeks.
Excretion
Iron is largely conserved and reutilized, with minimal excretion. Folic acid is excreted primarily via urine, partially as metabolites.
Half life
Elemental iron has a complex pharmacokinetic profile. Folic acid has a half-life of several hours (e.g., 3-9 hours).
Absorption
Ferrous ascorbate is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Folic acid is rapidly absorbed from the small intestine.
Metabolism
Iron is stored in the body (e.g., as ferritin). Folic acid is metabolized in the liver to active forms like tetrahydrofolate.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to ferrous ascorbate, folic acid, or any component of the formulation
- Hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, or other iron overload disorders
- Non-iron deficiency anemias (e.g., aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia) unless iron deficiency coexists
- Repeated blood transfusions
Drug Interactions
Antacids
Antacids can decrease iron absorption. Separate administration by 2 hours.
Methotrexate
Folic acid may interfere with the anti-folate effects of methotrexate.
Levothyroxine
Iron can reduce levothyroxine absorption. Separate administration by at least 4 hours.
Penicillamine
Iron can reduce penicillamine absorption.
Quinolone antibiotics
Iron can reduce quinolone absorption. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.
Tetracycline antibiotics
Iron supplements can reduce the absorption of tetracyclines. Separate administration by at least 2-3 hours.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of iron overdose include severe gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain), metabolic acidosis, shock, and potentially liver damage. Folic acid overdose is rare. Management involves gastric lavage, supportive care, and chelation therapy (e.g., deferoxamine) for severe iron toxicity. Seek immediate medical attention.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Hemax-TR is commonly prescribed during pregnancy and lactation to prevent and treat iron and folic acid deficiencies. It is generally considered safe and beneficial when used at recommended doses. Consult a doctor for proper dosage.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to ferrous ascorbate, folic acid, or any component of the formulation
- Hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, or other iron overload disorders
- Non-iron deficiency anemias (e.g., aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia) unless iron deficiency coexists
- Repeated blood transfusions
Drug Interactions
Antacids
Antacids can decrease iron absorption. Separate administration by 2 hours.
Methotrexate
Folic acid may interfere with the anti-folate effects of methotrexate.
Levothyroxine
Iron can reduce levothyroxine absorption. Separate administration by at least 4 hours.
Penicillamine
Iron can reduce penicillamine absorption.
Quinolone antibiotics
Iron can reduce quinolone absorption. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.
Tetracycline antibiotics
Iron supplements can reduce the absorption of tetracyclines. Separate administration by at least 2-3 hours.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of iron overdose include severe gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain), metabolic acidosis, shock, and potentially liver damage. Folic acid overdose is rare. Management involves gastric lavage, supportive care, and chelation therapy (e.g., deferoxamine) for severe iron toxicity. Seek immediate medical attention.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Hemax-TR is commonly prescribed during pregnancy and lactation to prevent and treat iron and folic acid deficiencies. It is generally considered safe and beneficial when used at recommended doses. Consult a doctor for proper dosage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Usually 24 to 36 months from manufacturing date
Availability
Pharmacies, hospitals, clinics
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory authorities (e.g., DGDA)
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Numerous clinical trials support the efficacy of iron and folic acid supplementation for anemia. Specific trials for 'Hemax-TR' brand would be manufacturer-specific.
Lab Monitoring
- Hemoglobin (Hb) levels
- Hematocrit (Hct)
- Serum ferritin
- Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
- Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)
Doctor Notes
- Advise patients on dietary sources of iron and vitamin C to enhance efficacy.
- Emphasize the importance of adherence, especially during pregnancy.
- Educate about common side effects like dark stools and strategies to manage GI upset.
- Regularly monitor Hb, ferritin levels, and other hematological parameters.
Patient Guidelines
- Take the tablet as directed by your doctor.
- Do not crush or chew the tablet; swallow it whole.
- Take iron supplements 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals for best absorption, but with food if stomach upset occurs.
- Dark stools are a common and harmless side effect of iron supplements.
- Keep out of reach of children, as iron overdose can be fatal for young children.
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 the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Driving Precautions
This medication is not known to impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience dizziness or fatigue, avoid such activities.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in iron (e.g., red meat, leafy greens, fortified cereals) and Vitamin C (e.g., citrus fruits).
- Limit intake of coffee, tea, and dairy products around the time of taking iron supplements.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.