Polysaccharide iron complex is a drug that contains iron. Iron is an essential nutrient used to improve the low iron levels in the blood. It is an element of myoglobin in muscle cells, hemoglobin in red blood cells, and proteins that function to transport the oxygen. Iron is also a part of different essential enzymes like cytochromes that are used for electron transport. If there is a deficiency of iron in the body, it can cause anemia. Thus, in such cases, polysaccharide tablets can be useful.
There are certain conditions when your doctor will recommend this polysaccharide iron complex. The conditions are;
- Breast-feeding;
- Hemolytic anemia;
- Iron overload;
- Bowel and Stomach disease;
- Liver disease;
- Allergic or unusual reaction to iron, food, dyes or preservatives;
- Pregnant Women or trying to conceive.
Directions for Using This Drug
- Use the simple method of taking medicine with the water. Follow the directions given on the prescription label.
- Take tablets on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after having your meals.
- In case, you have stomach upset due to this drug, take it with food.
- It is advisable to consume this drug with a doctor’s prescription
- Consume medicine at regular intervals as that would improve the iron levels in your body.
- In case of iron deficiency in the children, talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this drug.
Recommended Dosage of Polysaccharide Iron complex
The daily dosage for adults is one to two capsules or as directed by the physician.
If you have taken an overdose of these tablets, firstly contact a poison control center or emergency room. Meet the concerned doctor whenever you feel like you have taken more iron tablets than the required amount.
Note: Polysaccharide iron complex consumption varies from person to person as per their body needs.
This may cause some side effects if this medicine is taken along with different medications such as;
- Dimercaprol
- Deferoxamine
- Iron dextran
- Sodium ferric gluconate complex
- Iron Supplements
- Antacids
- Levodopa
- Medicines for osteoporosis like alendronate, risedronate, etidronate and tiludronate
- Mycophenolate
- Methyldopa
- zinc
- Thyroid hormones
- Penicillamine
It may not include certain interactions by which you are affected. Give a list of all medicines, dietary supplements, non-prescription drugs or herbs to your health care provider. If you are addicted to smoking, alcohol or any serious drugs, do share it with your doctor. The interactions of iron tablets with certain medications can reduce their effect on your body.
You should only use this medicine and take iron supplements as directed by your doctor. Regular blood checkups are equally important to know the iron levels in your body.
It is not advisable to take the medicine for longer than the prescribed time. Long-term intake of iron may increase the excess of iron in the body.
Since, this medicine can cause staining of the teeth, mix in water and drink with the straw to prevent it. Stains can also be removed by brushing the teeth with baking soda.
Do not take the medicine with antacids or dairy products. If you want to have an antacid, take it 2 hours after consuming a dose of iron.
Side Effects of Consuming Polysaccharide Iron complex
There are certain side effects of eating polysaccharide tablets. You should report to your doctor about the same.
- Drowsiness
- Nails, Palms or blue lips
- Pale or clammy skin
- Stomach pain
- Weak, fast or irregular heartbeat
- Vomiting
- Allergic reactions like itching, hives, swelling in the tongue, face or lips
There are side effects that usually do not require any kind of special attention and there is no need for reporting these side effects to the doctor. They are;
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Constipation
If you feel any kind of change in the body, it is important to share the issues with your doctor.
Other Side Effects
Other side effects are iron overload. Secondary hemochromatosis is caused due to prolonged iron ingestion. Iron overload has been seen in patients who are genetically inclined or have some basic disorder, which increases the consumption of the iron.
It can also cause by excessive parenteral iron therapy, a combination of oral and parenteral iron, or in patients with hemoglobinopathies that are incorrectly diagnosed from iron deficiency anemia.
Hemosiderosis is treated with a transfusion or long term treatment of deferoxamine. Especially the liver is responsive to toxicity in iron-overload states.
Guidelines for Storing Polysaccharide Iron complex
Here, are the guidelines about where to place these medicines.
- First of all, keep your medicines away from the children in your house.
- Store these tablets at room temperature between 15 to 30 degrees;
- Don’t keep the medicines open;
- Throw away the unused medicine after its expiration dates.
Polysaccharide Iron Complex for Pregnant and Breastfeeding
The FDA declares polysaccharide iron complex as safe in category A, which means pregnant women can consume it without any risk to herself and the unborn.
This does not clarify whether the polysaccharide iron complex enters breast milk or not. Therefore, it is advisable to be careful before using it, especially for nursing mothers.
Iron Polysaccharide Dosage
Adult Dosage for Iron Deficiency Anemia
Tablets:
50 to 100 mg elemental iron- 1 to 2 tablets, twice a day
Capsule:
105 to 300 mg elemental iron- 1 to 2 capsules, once a day
Elixir:
100 to 200 mg elemental iron- 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls, once a day
Pediatric Dose for Iron Deficiency Anemia
If the child is below six years, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Children above 6 years can take proper medication in tablet and elixir form.
Tablet:
50 to 100 mg elemental iron- 1 to 2 tablets, once a day
Elixir:
100 mg elemental iron- 1 to 2 tablets, once a day
In Closing
We have provided all the relevant information about this famous drug named polysaccharide iron complex that fulfills the body requirement of iron.
As iron is crucial for performing the major functions of the body such as transporting oxygen in the body, one cannot live a healthy life with low iron levels.
Iron can also be extracted from certain foods and fruits rich in Vitamin C, proteins, and other important nutrients.
If you are not able to extract iron from the foods, iron supplements and polysaccharide Iron complex can be really beneficial.
