Ferrum Lek, 100 mg 90 pcs.

Antianemic drug. A preparation of iron.

The molecular weight of the complex is so high – about 50 kDa – that its diffusion through the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract is 40 times slower than that of divalent iron. The complex is stable and does not release iron ions under physiological conditions. The iron of the multinuclear active zones of the complex is bound in a structure similar to that of the natural iron compound, ferritin.

Thanks to this similarity, iron (III) of this complex is absorbed only by active absorption. The iron-binding proteins on the surface of the intestinal epithelium and in the gastrointestinal fluid absorb iron (III) from the complex through competitive ligand exchange. Absorbed iron is mainly deposited in the liver, where it binds to ferritin. Later in the bone marrow it is incorporated into hemoglobin.

The polymaltose complex of iron (III) hydroxide, unlike iron (II) salts, has no pro-oxidant properties. The sensitivity of lipoproteins (e.g., very low-density lipoproteins and low-density lipoproteins) to oxidation is reduced.

Pharmacokinetics

. Studies using the double isotope method (55Fe and 59Fe) have shown that iron absorption, as measured by hemoglobin levels in erythrocytes, is inversely proportional to the dose taken (the higher the dose, the lower the absorption). There is a statistically negative correlation between the degree of iron deficiency and the amount of absorbed iron (the higher the iron deficiency, the better the absorption).

The maximum absorption of iron occurs in the duodenum and jejunum. Unabsorbed iron is excreted with the feces. Its excretion with the exfoliating epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract and skin, as well as with sweat, bile and urine is approximately 1 mg of iron per day. In women during menstruation there is an additional loss of iron, which must be taken into account.

Indications

Composition

1 chewable tablet contains:

How to take, the dosage

At the mouth, the tablets can be chewed or swallowed whole. It is recommended that the drug be taken with or immediately after a meal.

The daily dose can be divided into several doses.

The dose and duration of treatment depend on the degree of iron deficiency.

Latent iron deficiency

The duration of treatment is about 1-2 months,

.Children over 12 years of age, adults and mothers breastfeeding
1 chewable tablet (100 mg) of Ferrum Lek® per day.

Iron deficiency anemia

The duration of treatment is about 3-5 months. After normalization of hemoglobin concentration, the drug should be continued for several more weeks to replenish iron in the body.

Children over 12 years of age, adults and mothers breastfeeding

1-3 chewable tablets (100-300 mg) of Ferrum Lek® daily.

Pregnant women

Latent iron deficiency and prevention of iron deficiency
1 chewable tablet (100 mg) Ferrum Lek® daily.

Iron deficiency anemia

2-3 chewable tablets (200-300 mg) Ferrum Lek® per day until hemoglobin concentration is normalized. After that, you should continue to take 1 chewable tablet per day at least until the end of pregnancy to replenish iron in the body.

Interaction

The composition of Ferrum Lek® contains complex-bonded iron, which leads to a low probability of ionic interactions with food components (oxalates, tannins, etc.) as well as with other drugs (e.g., tetracyclines, antacids).

There have been no interactions with other drugs or food products.

Simultaneous use with parenteral iron preparations and other oral preparations of iron (III) hydroxide polymaltosate is not recommended due to marked inhibition of absorption of orally administered iron.

Special Instructions

In cases of anemia caused by infectious or malignant disease, iron accumulates in the reticulo-endothelial system, from which it is mobilized and utilized only after cure of the underlying disease.

When using the drug Ferrum Lek®, the stools may be stained dark, which is of no clinical significance. Ferrum Lec® has no effect on the results of latent blood test (selective for hemoglobin); therefore, suspension of therapy with iron preparations is not required.

Note for patients with diabetes mellitus: 1 chewable tablet of Ferrum Lek® contains 0.04 bread units (BE).

Note for patients with phenylketonuria: Ferrum Lek® contains aspartame (E951), which is a source of phenylalanine, in an amount equivalent to 1.5 mg per tablet.

Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery

Ferrum Lek® does not affect the ability to drive and operate mechanisms requiring high concentration.

Contraindications

Side effects

Ferrum Lek® is generally well tolerated. Side effects are mostly mild and transient.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adverse reactions are classified according to their frequency of development as follows: Very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100, < 1/10), infrequent (≥1/1000, < 1/100), rare (≥1/10000, < 1/1000) and very rare (< 1/10000); frequency unknown – the incidence could not be determined from available data.

Nervous system disorders

not infrequently:headache.

Gastrointestinal tract disorders

very frequently: discoloration of feces (due to excretion of not absorbed iron, not clinically relevant);

frequently: diarrhea, nausea, dyspepsia;

very rarely: abdominal pain, constipation, vomiting, discoloration of dental enamel.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

very rare: urticaria, rash, itching of the skin.

Overdose

In case of overdose of the drug Ferrum Lek® there were no signs of intoxication or excess of iron in the body since iron from the active ingredient is not present in the gastrointestinal tract in free form and is not absorbed by passive diffusion.