IDA points

Ferrous fumarate elemental iron content

107mg

Ferrous sulfate elemental iron content

65mg

Ferrous gluconate elemental iron content

39mg

Iron products dosing frequency

Daily or once every other day

What increases iron absorption?

• Empty stomach

• Vitamin C — controversial

What metals decrease iron absorption?

Calcium, magnesium, aluminum — look out for antacids

What drugs decrease iron absorption?

PPIs (e.g. omeprazole), H2RAs (e.g. famotidine)

Main foods that decrease iron absorption

Coffee, tea, cereal, dairy

Oral iron administration in relation to interacting drugs

Administer iron product 2 hours before H2RAs or PPIs

IDA length of therapy

3 months; may need lifelong if cause cannot be removed

Main ADRs to iron products

• Stomach irritation

• Dark stools — harmless

• Constipation

• Nausea

Keep iron away from…

children — toxic!!!

What to use if oral iron does not work or cannot be given due to contraindication

IV iron

Contraindications to oral therapy

Decrease absorption:

• Celiac disease

• Bariatric surgery