It seems you’re asking about a tablet that combines elements from different iron formulations, specifically:
- Ferrous salts: These are common oral iron supplements (e.g., ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate) known for their good absorption.
- Iron Dextran: This is an injectable iron complex, usually given intravenously or intramuscularly for severe iron deficiency when oral iron is not tolerated or effective. It’s NOT typically found in tablet form.
- Iron Sorbitol Citrate complex: This is also an injectable iron complex, traditionally given intramuscularly, and also NOT found in tablet form.
It’s highly unlikely that a single tablet would contain components like Iron Dextran or Iron Sorbitol Citrate complex, as these are specifically designed for parenteral (injectable) administration due to their chemical structure and absorption properties.
Therefore, I will assume you are asking about a Ferrous Salt Tablet equivalent to 60 mg of elemental iron, which is a common oral iron supplement dosage, and clarify that the other two mentioned are injectable forms of iron not typically in tablets.
Ferrous Salt Tablet (e.g., Ferrous Fumarate, Ferrous Sulfate, Ferrous Gluconate) equivalent to 60 mg Elemental Iron
Description
This refers to an oral tablet containing a ferrous salt (such as ferrous fumarate, ferrous sulfate, or ferrous gluconate), formulated to provide 60 mg of elemental iron. Elemental iron is the actual amount of iron available for absorption by the body. These tablets are a common and effective form of oral iron supplementation used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia.
Note: Iron Dextran and Iron Sorbitol Citrate Complex are injectable forms of iron used in specific clinical situations where oral iron is not suitable or sufficient. They are not typically found in tablet form.
Advantages
- Effective Iron Repletion: Provides a readily absorbable form of iron to replenish the body’s iron stores and support red blood cell production.
- Oral Convenience: Easy to administer and suitable for long-term home use.
- Cost-Effective: Generally more affordable than injectable iron preparations.
- Prevention and Treatment: Effective for both preventing and treating iron deficiency anemia.
Uses
A Ferrous Salt Tablet equivalent to 60 mg of elemental iron is primarily used for:
- Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia: To correct low iron levels and associated anemia.
- Prevention of Iron Deficiency: Especially in populations at high risk, such as:
- Pregnant women (common dosage for prophylaxis in India, often with folic acid).
- Individuals with chronic blood loss.
- Growing children and adolescents.
- Vegetarians/vegans with insufficient dietary iron.
- Patients with certain malabsorption syndromes (if oral iron is still viable).
Nature
Iron is an essential mineral vital for numerous bodily functions. In this tablet, it is present as a ferrous salt (Fe$^{2+}$), which is the more readily absorbed form of dietary iron compared to ferric iron (Fe$^{3+}$).
The mechanism of action involves:
- Absorption: When ingested, the ferrous iron from the tablet is primarily absorbed in the duodenum and upper jejunum of the small intestine. Absorption is facilitated by an acidic environment (e.g., stomach acid, or co-ingestion with Vitamin C).
- Transport: Once absorbed into the mucosal cells, iron is transported into the bloodstream where it binds to a protein called transferrin. Transferrin then safely transports iron to various tissues throughout the body.
- Utilization: The transported iron is primarily delivered to the bone marrow, where it is incorporated into hemoglobin within developing red blood cells. Hemoglobin is critical for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
- Storage: Excess iron is stored in the body, primarily in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, in the form of ferritin and hemosiderin. These stores are mobilized when needed.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store Ferrous Salt Tablets at controlled room temperature, typically between 20∘C to 25∘C (68∘F to 77∘F).
- Protect from Light and Moisture: Keep the tablets in their original, tightly closed container, away from direct light, heat, and excessive humidity. Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep Out of Reach of Children: This is critical. Iron supplements are a leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in young children. Store them in a secure, locked cabinet or in a location completely out of sight and reach of children.
- Do Not Freeze: Do not freeze the tablets.
- Check Expiry Date: Always check the expiry date on the packaging. Do not use the medication after this date. Properly dispose of any expired or unused medication according to local guidelines, preferably through drug take-back programs if available, to prevent accidental ingestion.