From the Guidelines
For a 23-year-old female with mental delays weighing 48 kg, the recommended liquid iron dose would be approximately 60-100 mg of elemental iron daily, as suggested by the British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines for the management of iron deficiency anaemia in adults 1. This typically translates to 10-20 ml of liquid iron supplement, depending on the specific product's concentration, which is commonly 15-44 mg of elemental iron per 5 ml.
The supplement should be taken in divided doses, such as 5-10 ml twice daily, preferably between meals with vitamin C-containing juice to enhance absorption. Treatment should continue for at least 3 months to replenish iron stores, even after hemoglobin normalizes. Side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort, constipation, or dark stools. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing can help minimize these effects. The liquid formulation is particularly appropriate for someone with mental delays who might have difficulty swallowing pills.
Some key points to consider when administering liquid iron supplements include:
- The optimal drug, dosage, and timing of oral iron replacement therapy (IRT) for adults with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) are not clearly defined 1.
- A once-daily dose of 50-100 mg of elemental iron may be the best compromise option for initial treatment 1.
- Regular monitoring of hemoglobin levels is recommended to assess response to treatment, with follow-up testing after 2-4 weeks of supplementation 1.
- Every-other-day iron dosing may be better tolerated for some patients with similar or equal rates of iron absorption as daily dosing 1.
It's essential to note that the evidence from the provided studies 1 supports the use of oral iron supplements as the first line of treatment for iron deficiency anaemia, and parenteral iron should be reserved for cases where oral iron is not tolerated or is ineffective. However, the most recent and highest-quality study 1 provides the best guidance for the recommended liquid iron dose.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Liquid Iron Dose for a 23-Year-Old Female with Mental Delays
- The recommended liquid iron dose for a 23-year-old female with mental delays and weighing 48 kg is not directly stated in the provided studies, as they primarily focus on infants, children, and pregnant women.
- However, a study on ferrous sulfate dosage for infants and children with nutritional iron-deficiency anemia suggests a dose of 3 mg/kg of elemental iron once daily 2.
- Applying this dosage to a 48 kg female would result in a daily dose of 144 mg of elemental iron.
- It is essential to note that the studies provided do not specifically address the iron needs of adults with mental delays, and the dosage may vary depending on individual factors such as the severity of iron deficiency and overall health status.
- Other studies compare the efficacy of different iron supplements, including ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, lactoferrin, and ferrous bisglycinate, but do not provide a specific dosage recommendation for a 23-year-old female with mental delays 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate liquid iron dose for this individual.