Ferrous Ascorbate

Indications
Indicated in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.

Therapeutic Class
Oral Iron preparations

Description
Ferrous ascorbate, a synthetic molecule of ascorbic acid and iron.
Pharmacology
Ferrous Ascorbate when administered is converted to ferric form and immediately is reduced to the ferrous form into the stomach. This reduced ferrous form is then transferred to the duodenum where it is highly absorbed. Ferrous Ascorbate has the advantage of providing both ferrous ion and ascorbate in the same compound. There is no dissociation on entering GI Tract due to the stable chelate of iron with ascorbate. Folic Acid itself is biochemically inactive, is converted to tetrahydrofolic acid and methyltetrahydrofolate by dihydrofolate reductase in liver. These folic acid congeners are transported across cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis where they are needed to maintain numerous body functions.

Dosage & Administration
Adult & Elderly: One tablet (33 mg) a day before or after meal (food independent absorption) or as directed by the physician. In more severe cases, two tablets a day may be required as prescribed by the physician. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Contraindications
Hemosiderosis, hemochromatosis, hemolytic anemia.

Side Effects
The treatment of a neurotic patient was interrupted because of nausea and regurgitation. In pregnant women, the incidence of pyrosis and chronic constipation is slightly increased.

Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category- Not Classified. FDA has not yet classified the drug into a specified pregnancy category.

Precautions & Warnings
Oral iron preparations may aggravate existing peptic ulcer, regional enteritis and ulcerative colitis. Iron compounds taken orally can impair the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics. Antacids given concomitantly with iron compounds decrease iron absorption.

Overdose Effects
Iron poisoning is rare in adults.

Storage Conditions
Keep in a cool and dry place. Protect from light. Keep out of reach of children.