Ferronal (tablets)
International not patented name
Ferrous gluconate
Pharmacotherapeutic group
Hemopoiesis stimulators. Ferrum (trivalent) preparations for being taken per os.
Composition
1 tablet contains 300 mg of ferrous gluconate.
Pharmacologic action
Pharmacodynamics
Ferrum is an important component of the human body. It is contained in hemoglobin, myoglobin and in various other enzymes. Ferrum stimulates the hemopoietic organs functioning. Ferrous gluconate favors the hemoglobin level quick restoration in persons suffering from iron deficiency anemia.
Ferrous gluconate is absorbed and assimilated better than the other iron forms it being conditioned by the ionization low constant. It does not precipitate proteins, does not change the digestive system propeolytic activity and does not provoke nausea, gastric spasms, constipation or diarrhea in most patients.
Pharmacokinetics
Ferrum is absorbed mostly in the duodenum and the small intestine upper department. Ferrous gluconate is absorbed better than ferrous salts on a not organic origin. The absorption is more intensive the iron deficiency is more pronounced. When food contains much calcium, phosphorus, phytinic acid as well as in case of the stomach enzymes deficiency the iron absorption is limited. Blood ferrum is fixed on the protein transferrin and in form of ferrotransferrin it is brought to the depot – bone marrow, liver, spleen where it is preserved as ferritin and hemosiderin. Ferrum is excreted mostly with urine and sweat, it is often excreted by digestive tract mucous membrane.
Indications for appliance
Iron deficiency anemia prevention and management.
Mode of appliance and dosage regime
The preparation is taken per os after meal.
It is prescribed to adults as a prophylactic drug in dose 2 tablets a day; for managing iron deficiency anemia – 4 – 6 tablets a day.
Children aged 6 – 12 years are prescribed 1 – 3 tablets a day (iron deficiency anemia prevention and management).
Special warnings
Ferrum preparations should be kept away from children for preventing an accidental iron intoxication.
Ferronal is recommended to be taken after meal for preventing the gastro-intestinal tract irritation.
Side effects
When the preparation is taken per os the gastro-intestinal tract disturbances (constipation, diarrhea, vomiting) may occur.
Contraindications
Idiosyncrasy to ferrum preparations, hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, hemolytic anemia.
Caution measures
Patients with peptic ulcers, enteritis, ulcerous colitis should be prescribed ferronal with a particular caution.
Ferrum preparations make feces dark and sometimes may mask an occult bleeding.
Interaction with other medicinal preparations
Eggs, tea and milk inhibit the iron absorption and antacids hinder the iron absorption. Iron peroral preparations change the antibiotics from the group of tetracyclines absorption. Intervals between those preparation intakes should be not less than 2 hours.
Overdosing
Symptoms: abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, gastro-intestinal irritation (up to necrosis), lethargy, weak pulse, hypotony, metabolic acidosis, convulsions, fever, leukocytosis, coma, a lethal outcome in 12 – 24 hours is possible, acute hepatic and renal necrosis in 2 – 4 days.
Treatment: vomiting induction (ipecacuanha syrup), parenteral injections of deferoxamine (in case of severe intoxications intravenous).
Dosage form
300 mg tablets. 50 tablets in a pot.
Preparation Ferronal is manufactured in cooperation with the firm “CTS Chemical Industries, Ltd.”, Israel.
