Treatment of disorders of iron metabolism
Pinggera, W.
MMW Fortschritte der Medizin 146(48): 37-38; 40
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 1438-3276 PMID: 15625935 Document Number: 568414
When prescribing oral iron preparations, consideration must be given in particular to the question of bioavailability. In this connection, ferrous sulfate preparations are to be preferred. The simultaneous ingestion of tea, coffee or dairy products reduces the absorption of iron, while ascorbic acid increases it. Gastrointestinal side effects of oral iron substitution are usually dose-dependent. If absorption or mobilization disorders, gastrointestinal diseases or signs of intolerance to oral administration are present, iron must be administered via the parenteral route. To avoid toxicity, accurate calculation of the dose is necessary before injection. Since intolerance reactions extending to anaphylactic shock can occur, the indication for iron preparations must be rigorously applied.