Indications
This is indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of iron, folic acid and zinc deficiency specially during pregnancy and lactation.
Therapeutic Class
Iron, Vitamin & Mineral Combined preparation
Pharmacology
Iron: Essential component in the formation of hemoglobin; adequate amounts of iron are necessary for effective erythropoiesis; also serves as a cofactor of several essential enzymes, including cytochromes that are involved in electron transport. Replacement of iron stores found in hemoglobin, myoglobin, and enzymes; works to transport oxygen via hemoglobin.
Zinc Sulphate is essential to numerous physiological processes, including the function of many enzymes in the body. Deficiency may lead to poor night vision, slow healing of wounds, poor sexual development and function in males, poor appetite (perhaps owing to a decrease in the sense of taste and smell), a reduced ability to ward off infections, diarrhea, dermatitis and in children, retarded growth.
Folic acid: Required for nucleoprotein synthesis and the maintenance of normal erythropoiesis; folic acid is converted in the liver and plasma to its metabolically active form, tetrahydrofolic acid, by dihydrofolate reductase; prevents neural tube defects in women of childbearing potential and higher doses required during pregnancy.
Dosage & Administration
Adults or Elderly: 1 capsule or tablet daily. In more severe cases, 2 capsules or table daily may be required.
Children: Aged over 1 year: 1 capsule or tablet daily. The capsule may be opened and the pellets to be mixed with soft, cool food, but they must not be chewed.
Interaction
Iron and zinc chelate with tetracycline and absorption of all three agents may be impaired. The absorption of zinc may be reduced in the presence of iron. Absorption of iron may be impaired by penicillamine and by antacids. Such potential interactions can be reduced by separating administration of each product by several hours. In patients with renal failure a risk of zinc accumulation could exist.
Contraindications
It is contraindicated in patients with haemolytic anaemia and in conditions with hypersensitivity to any of its components and increased body iron content.
Side Effects
Dark stools are usual during iron therapy, and nausea and other symptoms of gastrointestinal irritation, such as anorexia, vomiting, discomfort, constipation and diarrhoea are sometimes encountered. Zinc may also produce gastrointestinal upset. These timed release capsules are designed to reduce the possibility of gastrointestinal irritation. There have been rare reports of allergic reactions.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Administration in first trimester of pregnancy should be avoided unless definite evidence of iron deficiency is observed. Prophylaxis of iron deficiency is justified during the remainder of pregnancy specifically when zinc supplementation is required.
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