From the Guidelines
The recommended prescription for ferrous fumarate for iron deficiency anemia is one tablet per day, as suggested by the British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines 1. The initial treatment of IDA should be with one tablet per day of ferrous sulphate, fumarate or gluconate, and if not tolerated, a reduced dose of one tablet every other day, alternative oral preparations or parenteral iron should be considered 1. Some key points to consider when prescribing ferrous fumarate include:
- The medication should be taken on an empty stomach, ideally 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, with a glass of water or orange juice to enhance absorption.
- Vitamin C can improve iron absorption, while calcium, antacids, tea, coffee, and dairy products can decrease it, so these should be separated from iron intake by at least 2 hours.
- Treatment duration typically ranges from 3-6 months to replenish iron stores, even after hemoglobin levels normalize, as recommended by the guidelines 1.
- Common side effects include constipation, black stools, nausea, and abdominal discomfort, and taking the medication with food can reduce gastrointestinal side effects but may decrease absorption.
- The optimal drug, dosage and timing of oral IRT for adults with IDA are not clearly defined, but a once daily dose of 50–100 mg of elemental iron may be the best compromise option for initial treatment 1.
- Regular Hb monitoring is recommended to ensure an ultimately satisfactory response, and the optimal interval is not clear, but every 4 weeks until the Hb is in the normal range seems reasonable 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 60 Tablet Bottle Label DYE FREE • GLUTEN FREEGENTLE ON THE STOMACH FERRETTSIRONSUPPLEMENT Ferrous Fumarate 325mg Small, Easy to Swallow TabletOne Tablet Daily 60 TABLETS The recommended prescription for ferrous (iron) fumarate is:
- Ferrous Fumarate 325mg,
- Dosage: One tablet daily,
- Form: Small, easy to swallow tablet 2
From the Research
Prescription for Ferrous Fumarate
The recommended prescription for ferrous (iron) fumarate can vary depending on the patient's condition and the severity of iron deficiency anemia.
- The dosage of ferrous fumarate is typically based on the amount of elemental iron required to treat iron deficiency anemia, which is usually around 100-200 mg per day 3.
- A study published in the Revista de gastroenterologia de Mexico in 1999 found that a daily oral dose of 5 mg/kg of elemental iron in the form of ferrous fumarate was effective in improving iron parameters in elderly patients with iron deficiency anemia 4.
- Another study published in the Scandinavian journal of gastroenterology in 2005 compared the effects of oral ferrous fumarate and intravenous iron sucrose on clinical disease activity and plasma redox status in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, and found that oral ferrous fumarate increased clinical disease activity, while intravenous iron sucrose did not 5.
Administration and Duration
- Ferrous fumarate can be administered orally, usually once a day, and the duration of treatment depends on the severity of iron deficiency anemia and the patient's response to treatment 3, 4.
- The treatment should be continued for at least 6 months to ensure that the patient's iron stores are replenished and to prevent relapse 4.
Side Effects and Interactions
- Common side effects of ferrous fumarate include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea 3, 5.
- Ferrous fumarate can interact with other medications, such as antacids and antibiotics, and may not be suitable for patients with certain medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease 5.