Oxyfer
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 |
|---|---|---|
| oxyfer 1 gm injection | ৳ 1,300.00 | N/A |
| oxyfer 500 mg injection | ৳ 700.00 | N/A |
| oxyfer 750 mg injection | ৳ 1,000.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Oxyfer is an iron and folic acid supplement used to prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia and megaloblastic anemia, especially during pregnancy and lactation.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typically, 1 capsule daily. Dosage may vary based on physician's assessment of iron and folic acid deficiency.
Elderly
Same as adults, but caution is advised due to potential for gastrointestinal irritation.
Renal_impairment
No specific dose adjustment is usually required, but use with caution in severe renal impairment.
How to Take
Take orally, preferably on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) to maximize absorption. If gastric irritation occurs, it can be taken with food, but absorption may be reduced. Swallow the capsule whole with water; do not chew or crush.
Mechanism of Action
Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and several enzymes, crucial for oxygen transport and cellular respiration. Folic acid is vital for DNA synthesis, red blood cell maturation, and helps prevent neural tube defects.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Therapeutic effects (increase in hemoglobin) are generally observed within a few weeks.
Excretion
Excess iron is primarily excreted in the feces. Folic acid and its metabolites are excreted in the urine and, to a lesser extent, in the feces.
Half life
Iron is stored and recycled, not having a simple half-life. Folic acid has a plasma half-life of several hours.
Absorption
Iron is primarily absorbed in the duodenum and upper jejunum; absorption is enhanced by vitamin C. Folic acid is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, mainly from the proximal small intestine.
Metabolism
Iron is minimally metabolized, primarily recycled. Folic acid is converted to its active forms (e.g., tetrahydrofolate) in the liver and other tissues.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to ferrous fumarate, folic acid, or any component of the formulation.
- Hemochromatosis and hemosiderosis (conditions of iron overload).
- Hemolytic anemia (unless concomitant iron deficiency exists).
- Pernicious anemia (as folic acid may mask vitamin B12 deficiency).
Drug Interactions
Phenytoin
Folic acid may reduce serum phenytoin levels, potentially leading to increased seizure activity.
Levodopa, Methyldopa
Iron may reduce the absorption and efficacy of these drugs.
Antacids, Calcium supplements
May reduce iron absorption. Take iron 2 hours before or 4 hours after antacids/calcium.
Thyroid hormones (e.g., Levothyroxine)
Iron may reduce absorption. Separate administration by several hours.
Tetracyclines, Quinolones (e.g., Ciprofloxacin)
Reduced absorption of both iron and antibiotics. Take iron 2 hours before or 4 hours after antibiotics.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of iron overdose may include severe gastrointestinal irritation (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stools), metabolic acidosis, cardiovascular collapse, and liver damage. Folic acid overdose is generally considered non-toxic. Management involves gastric lavage, supportive care, and in severe cases, chelation therapy with deferoxamine.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Iron and folic acid supplementation is generally recommended and safe during pregnancy and lactation to prevent and treat deficiencies, which are common during these periods. Consult your doctor for specific dosage and duration.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to ferrous fumarate, folic acid, or any component of the formulation.
- Hemochromatosis and hemosiderosis (conditions of iron overload).
- Hemolytic anemia (unless concomitant iron deficiency exists).
- Pernicious anemia (as folic acid may mask vitamin B12 deficiency).
Drug Interactions
Phenytoin
Folic acid may reduce serum phenytoin levels, potentially leading to increased seizure activity.
Levodopa, Methyldopa
Iron may reduce the absorption and efficacy of these drugs.
Antacids, Calcium supplements
May reduce iron absorption. Take iron 2 hours before or 4 hours after antacids/calcium.
Thyroid hormones (e.g., Levothyroxine)
Iron may reduce absorption. Separate administration by several hours.
Tetracyclines, Quinolones (e.g., Ciprofloxacin)
Reduced absorption of both iron and antibiotics. Take iron 2 hours before or 4 hours after antibiotics.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of iron overdose may include severe gastrointestinal irritation (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stools), metabolic acidosis, cardiovascular collapse, and liver damage. Folic acid overdose is generally considered non-toxic. Management involves gastric lavage, supportive care, and in severe cases, chelation therapy with deferoxamine.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Iron and folic acid supplementation is generally recommended and safe during pregnancy and lactation to prevent and treat deficiencies, which are common during these periods. Consult your doctor for specific dosage and duration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
36 months from manufacturing date.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by DGDA
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Iron and Folic Acid are well-established and extensively studied micronutrients. Numerous clinical trials support their efficacy and safety in preventing and treating anemia, especially during pregnancy.
Lab Monitoring
- Hemoglobin and Hematocrit levels
- Serum Ferritin levels
- Transferrin saturation
- Red Blood Cell indices (MCV, MCH)
Doctor Notes
- Confirm iron deficiency before initiating therapy.
- Advise patients on potential GI side effects and strategies to manage them.
- Emphasize the importance of adherence, especially during pregnancy.
Patient Guidelines
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not stop taking the medicine abruptly without consulting your doctor.
- 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 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
Oxyfer is generally not expected to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in iron (e.g., red meat, leafy greens, fortified cereals) and folic acid (e.g., legumes, citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables).
- Consume foods rich in Vitamin C to enhance iron absorption.
- Avoid taking iron supplements with tea, coffee, or milk.
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.
Other Medicines in Oxyfer Brand
Other medicines available under the same brand name
