From the Research
Ferric protein succinylate is typically dosed at 80 mg of elemental iron once daily for adults with iron deficiency anemia, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Dosing Considerations
- The dosage for children is usually adjusted based on weight, with approximately 1.5-3 mg/kg/day of elemental iron divided into 1-2 doses.
- Treatment duration generally ranges from 3-6 months, continuing until hemoglobin levels normalize and iron stores are replenished (typically requiring an additional 2-3 months after hemoglobin normalization).
Administration and Monitoring
- This medication should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably 30 minutes before meals, to maximize absorption.
- Patients should avoid taking this medication with milk, tea, coffee, or calcium supplements as these can reduce iron absorption.
- Regular monitoring of hemoglobin, ferritin, and transferrin saturation is recommended to assess treatment effectiveness, as noted in studies such as 2 and 3.
Side Effects and Tolerability
- Common side effects include constipation, dark stools, and occasional nausea.
- Iron protein succinylate has been shown to have superior effectiveness and tolerability compared to other iron treatments, with the lowest rate of adverse events reported in a systematic review of 54 studies 3.
Key Findings
- A comparative study found that iron protein succinylate and ferrous sulphate were equally effective in treating iron deficiency anemia, with no statistical differences between treated groups and control 1.
- Another study suggested that lower therapeutic doses of iron may be sufficient for management of iron deficiency anemia, and that alternate-day schedules and morning single doses may increase iron absorption and reduce side effects 4.