Compiron

Indications

Iron Hydroxide Polymaltose is an iron supplement used to prevent and treat iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia. Common reasons include pregnancy, heavy periods, poor diet, blood loss and fast growth in infants and children.

How It Works

It is a complex of iron bound to a sugar (polymaltose). The iron is released and absorbed gradually in the gut, which usually causes less stomach upset than older iron salts. The body uses the iron to make haemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen, and to refill iron stores.

Dosage and Administration

Doses are given as elemental iron.

• Adults, iron deficiency anaemia: usually 100 to 200 mg of iron a day, in one or two doses.
• Adults, prevention: usually 50 to 100 mg a day.
• Pregnancy: as advised by the doctor.
• Infants and children: dose depends on age and body weight, as prescribed. Measure drops or syrup with the dropper or spoon provided.

Take with or just after a meal. Drops and syrup can be mixed with fruit juice or food. Treatment usually continues for some months, including for a while after blood levels return to normal, to refill the body's iron stores.

Interactions

It interacts less with food than older iron salts. As a precaution, keep 2 hours between this medicine and Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, Levothyroxine and antacids. Do not use it together with iron injections or other iron supplements unless the doctor advises.

Contraindications

• Anaemia not caused by lack of iron, such as megaloblastic anaemia or thalassaemia without iron deficiency.
• Iron overload (haemochromatosis or haemosiderosis) or frequent blood transfusions.
• Allergy to any ingredient of the product.

Side Effects

Usually mild: stomach discomfort, nausea, constipation or diarrhoea. Stools often turn dark or black; this is harmless. Liquid forms may stain the teeth.

Get urgent medical help for signs of an allergic reaction (rash, swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing), or for black tarry stools together with stomach pain or vomiting blood, which may mean bleeding rather than iron. Also seek help at once if a child swallows a large amount.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Commonly used in pregnancy and breastfeeding to prevent and treat iron deficiency. Take it as advised by your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

The cause of anaemia should be confirmed by a doctor before long-term use. Do not take other iron products at the same time. Some syrups contain sugar, which matters for people with diabetes. Brush teeth after liquid forms. See a doctor if tiredness or paleness does not improve.

Overdose

This form is less toxic than older iron salts, but large amounts can still cause vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea. Keep it out of the reach of children and get medical help if too much is taken.

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.