Indian Brands of Iron Tablets
I cannot provide specific Indian brand names for iron supplements from the evidence provided, as none of the guidelines or research studies include information about pharmaceutical brands available in the Indian market.
Standard Iron Formulations Available Globally
The most cost-effective and widely recommended first-line treatment is ferrous sulfate, typically dosed at 200 mg once daily or on alternate days 1, 2.
Oral Iron Preparations (Generic Formulations)
The following iron formulations are standard globally and would be available under various brand names in India:
- Ferrous sulfate: 65 mg elemental iron per 325 mg tablet 1
- Ferrous fumarate: 106 mg elemental iron per 325 mg tablet 1
- Ferrous gluconate: 38 mg elemental iron per 325 mg tablet 1
- Ferric maltol: 30 mg elemental iron per tablet 1
Optimal Dosing Strategy
For iron deficiency anemia, give 100-200 mg elemental iron (as ferrous sulfate) once daily in the morning, or preferably on alternate days to maximize absorption and minimize side effects 2, 3.
- Alternate-day dosing is superior because oral iron doses ≥60 mg stimulate hepcidin elevation that persists 24 hours, reducing absorption of subsequent doses 3
- Morning dosing is preferred over afternoon/evening administration 3
- Adding vitamin C (250-500 mg) with iron may enhance absorption 1, 2
- Continue treatment for 3 months after anemia correction to replenish stores 1, 2
When to Consider Intravenous Iron
Intravenous iron should be used when oral iron is not tolerated, ferritin fails to improve with oral therapy, or in conditions with poor oral absorption 2.
Available IV formulations include:
- Iron sucrose (Venofer): 200 mg maximum single dose 1
- Ferric carboxymaltose (Ferinject): up to 1000 mg single dose 1, 4
- Iron dextran (Cosmofer): up to 20 mg/kg 1
Monitoring Response
- Hemoglobin should increase by approximately 2 g/dL after 3-4 weeks of treatment 2
- Monitor hemoglobin and red cell indices every 3 months for 1 year, then annually 1, 2
- Common side effects include constipation (12%), diarrhea (8%), and nausea (11%) 2
To identify specific Indian brand names, consult local pharmaceutical references, the Indian Pharmacopoeia, or pharmacy databases specific to India, as these contain the proprietary names under which these generic iron formulations are marketed.