Prevention of iron-deficiency Treatment of iron-deficiency anaemia
Forms and strengths
140 mg/5 ml syrup of ferrous fumarate containing approximately 45 mg/5 ml of elemental iron
200 mg ferrous fumarate or sulfate tablet containing approximately 65 mg of elemental iron
Dosage
(expressed as elemental iron)
Prevention of iron-deficiency
Neonate: 4.5 mg once daily
Child 1 month to < 12 years: 1 to 2 mg/kg once daily (max. 65 mg daily)
Child ≥ 12 years and adult: 65 mg once daily
Treatment of iron-deficiency anaemia
Neonate: 1 to 2 mg/kg 2 times daily
Child 1 month to < 6 years: 1.5 to 3 mg/kg 2 times daily
Child 6 to < 12 years:65 mg 2 times daily
Child ≥ 12 years and adult:65 mg 2 to 3 times daily
Age
Weight
Prevention
Treatment
45 mg/5 ml syrup
65 mg tablet
45 mg/5ml syrup
65 mg tablet
< 1 month
< 4 kg
0.5 ml
–
0.5 ml x 2
–
1 month to <1 year
4 to < 10 kg
1 ml
–
1.5 ml x 2
–
1 to < 6 years
10 to < 20 kg
2.5 ml
–
2.5 ml x 2
–
6 to < 12 years
20 to < 40 kg
5 ml
–
–
1 tab x 2
≥ 12 years and adult
≥ 40 kg
–
1 tab
–
1 tab x 2 or 3
Duration
Prevention: during risk period (pregnancy, malnutrition)Treatment: 3 months
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
Do not administer to patients with other forms of anaemia.
May cause: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, black stools.
Do not exceed recommended doses in children (risk of overdose). 20 mg/kg of elemental iron (60 mg/kg of ferrous fumarate or sulfate) is considered toxic.
Do not give simultaneously with doxycycline, ciprofloxacin,
dolutegravir, antacids(aluminium hydroxide or magnesium, etc.), levodopa or zinc sulfate(reduced absorption of both drugs).Administer each drug at least 2 hours apart.
Adminstration in combination with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) increases iron absorption. Rince mouth or drink water after administration of syrup (risk of tooth staining).
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: no contra-indication
Remarks
To reduce gastrointestinal disturbances, take during meals and gradually increase dosage.
For the prevention of iron-deficiency during pregnancy, preferably use tablets containing both ferrous salts and folic acid.