Indications
Iron polymaltose complex (ferric hydroxide polymaltose) is an iron supplement. It is used to treat iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia, and to prevent iron deficiency when the body needs more iron, such as during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with heavy periods, during childhood growth and after blood loss.
How It Works
It provides iron in a stable form that is released slowly in the gut and absorbed as the body needs it. The body uses iron to make haemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body.
Dosage and Administration
Adults, iron deficiency anaemia: usually 100 to 200 mg of iron a day, as one dose or divided doses. Prevention and pregnancy: usually 100 mg of iron a day, or as the doctor advises. Take during or just after a meal. Chewable tablets can be chewed or swallowed whole; syrup and drops can be mixed with fruit juice. Children: the dose depends on age and weight, as prescribed. Treatment usually continues for a few months after haemoglobin returns to normal, to refill the body’s iron stores.
Interactions
This form has fewer interactions than ordinary iron salts. Even so, it is best taken at a different time from antacids, calcium supplements, Tetracycline or Doxycycline, quinolone antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin, and Levothyroxine. Do not take other iron products at the same time unless advised, and do not take oral iron together with iron injections.
Contraindications
- Anaemia not caused by iron deficiency, for example anaemia due to vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency, or thalassaemia without iron deficiency.
- Iron overload (haemochromatosis, haemosiderosis).
- Conditions where the body cannot use iron properly, such as sideroblastic anaemia.
- Allergy to any ingredient of the product.
Side Effects
Stomach discomfort, nausea, constipation or diarrhoea may occur. Stools often become dark or black; this is harmless. Get urgent medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing), if you vomit blood, or if you have black, tarry stools with stomach pain or weakness, as these can be signs of bleeding.
Pregnancy and Lactation
It is commonly used to prevent and treat iron deficiency during pregnancy and breastfeeding, at the dose advised by the doctor.
Precautions and Warnings
Have the cause of anaemia checked by a doctor before long-term use. Tell your doctor if you have had repeated blood transfusions, or have liver disease or an infection. Liquid forms can stain the teeth slightly; brushing afterwards helps. Some syrups contain sugar, which matters for people with diabetes.
Overdose
This form is less toxic than ordinary iron salts, but swallowing large amounts, especially by children, still needs urgent medical assessment.
Therapeutic Class
Iron preparation (haematinic).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze liquid forms; once opened, use within the time stated on the label.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.