Sodium Feredetate is a stable, water-soluble chelate of ferric iron (Fe³⁺) with sodium EDTA, containing approximately 12.5% elemental iron. It is a third-generation oral iron preparation designed for superior tolerability and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract compared to traditional iron salts like ferrous sulfate. It is indicated for the treatment and prevention of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Its chelated structure prevents the release of free ionic iron in the stomach, minimizing gastric irritation and oxidative stress, making it a preferred choice in patients intolerant to conventional iron therapy.
Adult: For treatment of IDA: 1 tablet (231mg) once or twice daily. For prophylaxis: 1 tablet daily. Should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, for optimal absorption. If gastric upset occurs, may be taken with a small amount of food, understanding this may reduce absorption.
Note: Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break. Take at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after antacids, tetracyclines, or fluoroquinolones. Can be taken with Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to enhance absorption.
Sodium Feredetate provides ferric iron in a pre-chelated, non-ionic form. This chelate is stable in the acidic pH of the stomach, preventing the precipitation of ferric hydroxide. In the duodenum and jejunum, the entire chelate molecule is absorbed intact via a paracellular or specific chelate transport pathway, distinct from the DMT-1 transporter used by ferrous ions. Inside the enterocyte or in the plasma, iron is released from the EDTA complex and binds to apotransferrin to form transferrin, which transports iron to bone marrow for hemoglobin synthesis and to storage sites (liver, spleen) as ferritin.
Pregnancy: Category A (Australian categorization). Considered safe and is the preferred iron supplement in pregnancy for treatment and prophylaxis of IDA. Benefits outweigh risks. Dose: 1-2 tablets daily as required.
Driving: No known effects on driving ability. Dizziness, a rare side effect, should be considered.
| Antacids (Aluminum, Magnesium, Calcium salts) | Decreased absorption of iron due to increased pH and formation of insoluble complexes. | Major |
| Tetracycline antibiotics (Doxycycline, Tetracycline) | Mutual decrease in absorption; forms insoluble chelates. | Major |
| Fluoroquinolones (Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin) | Decreased absorption of fluoroquinolone; forms chelates. | Major |
| Levothyroxine | Decreased absorption of levothyroxine, potentially reducing its efficacy. | Major |
| Bisphosphonates (Alendronate) | Decreased absorption of bisphosphonate. | Moderate |
| Penicillamine | Decreased absorption of penicillamine. | Moderate |
| Chloramphenicol | Delayed iron response due to chloramphenicol's effect on erythropoiesis. | Moderate |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) | May enhance the absorption of iron. | Minor (Beneficial) |