Maximum Dose of Maltofer (Iron Polymaltose)
The maximum recommended dose of Maltofer (iron polymaltose) is 100 mg of elemental iron once daily for adults with iron deficiency anemia. 1
Dosing Recommendations
- For adults and children 12 years and over, the standard dosage is one tablet daily (containing 30-100 mg elemental iron depending on formulation) or as directed by a physician 2
- For treatment of iron deficiency anemia in adults, 50-100 mg of elemental iron once daily is the recommended dose 1
- For patients with moderate iron deficiency anemia, ferric maltol (Maltofer) at 30 mg twice daily (60 mg total elemental iron per day) has been shown to be effective 1
- Higher doses (200 mg elemental iron per day) may be used in specific conditions such as chronic kidney disease, but this is not the standard recommendation for most patients 1
Evidence on Dosing Frequency
- Recent evidence suggests that once-daily dosing is preferred over multiple daily doses 1:
- Short-term studies show that oral doses of 60 mg elemental iron stimulate hepcidin levels, reducing subsequent iron absorption by 35-45%
- The overall absorption of iron from 60 mg elemental iron taken once daily was similar to that from 60 mg taken twice daily
- For patients experiencing gastrointestinal side effects, alternate-day dosing may be considered, as it leads to significantly increased fractional iron absorption in iron-depleted individuals 1
Maltofer-Specific Information
- Maltofer (iron polymaltose complex) contains 30 mg of elemental iron per tablet according to the British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines 1
- Studies have shown that iron polymaltose complex at 100 mg elemental iron given 6 days a week for 8 months was effective and well-tolerated in adolescents with varying iron status 3
- Maltofer has a relatively low iron content compared to other iron preparations, resulting in slower iron loading but better tolerance 1
Safety Considerations
- Exceeding recommended dosages of iron supplements is not advised due to potential toxicity 2
- Iron supplements may cause gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, constipation, or diarrhea 2
- Iron overdose is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6, so keeping the medication out of reach of children is essential 2
- Maltofer has been shown to have fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to traditional iron salts 4
Monitoring Recommendations
- Regular monitoring of hemoglobin is recommended to ensure a satisfactory response, approximately every 4 weeks until hemoglobin normalizes 1
- After normalization of hemoglobin, oral iron should be continued for 2-3 months to replenish iron stores 1
- The absence of a hemoglobin rise of at least 10 g/L after 2 weeks of daily oral iron therapy strongly predicts subsequent failure to achieve a sustained response 1
In conclusion, while higher doses may be used in specific clinical scenarios, the maximum standard dose of Maltofer for most adults with iron deficiency anemia should not exceed 100 mg of elemental iron per day, with once-daily dosing being the preferred administration schedule.