Iron (50mg) is a therapeutic dose of elemental iron, primarily as ferrous salts (sulfate, fumarate, gluconate), used for the treatment and prevention of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). In the Indian context, IDA is highly prevalent, especially among women of reproductive age, pregnant women, adolescents, and children. This dose provides a substantial amount of elemental iron to replenish depleted iron stores and support hemoglobin synthesis. Oral iron therapy is the first-line treatment for uncomplicated IDA.
Adult: For treatment of IDA: 50-100 mg of elemental iron twice daily (total 100-200 mg/day). For prophylaxis: 50 mg once daily. Doses are typically divided to improve tolerance and absorption.
Note: Take on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) for maximum absorption. If GI upset occurs, take with a small amount of food. Avoid taking with tea, coffee, milk, calcium supplements, or antacids, as they inhibit absorption. May be taken with Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) or orange juice to enhance absorption. Do not crush or chew enteric-coated or sustained-release tablets.
Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. In iron deficiency, hemoglobin synthesis is impaired, leading to microcytic, hypochromic anemia. Oral iron supplements provide elemental iron, which is absorbed in the duodenum and proximal jejunum via divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1). It is then oxidized to ferric iron (Fe3+), bound to transferrin, and transported to bone marrow for incorporation into heme, the prosthetic group of hemoglobin. This restores normal erythropoiesis.
Pregnancy: Category A (considered safe). Iron requirements increase significantly (approx. 1000 mg total). 50 mg elemental iron daily is standard prophylaxis in India. Treatment dose for anemia is 100-200 mg/day. Essential for fetal development and preventing maternal anemia.
Driving: No effect. However, severe anemia being treated may initially cause dizziness; caution advised.
| Antacids (Aluminum, Magnesium, Calcium) | Decreased iron absorption due to increased pH and formation of insoluble complexes. | Major |
| Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin | Decreased absorption of both iron and the antibiotic due to chelation. Administer at least 2-3 hours apart. | Major |
| Levothyroxine | Decreased absorption of levothyroxine. Administer at least 4 hours apart. | Major |
| Cholestyramine | Decreased iron absorption. | Moderate |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) | Increased absorption of non-heme iron. | Minor (Beneficial) |
| Penicillamine | Decreased absorption of penicillamine. | Moderate |
| Methyldopa | Decreased absorption and potentially decreased efficacy of methyldopa. | Moderate |
| Proton Pump Inhibitors (Omeprazole) | Decreased iron absorption due to reduced gastric acidity. | Moderate |