You’re asking about a liquid formulation of an iron and folic acid supplement, specifically designed for easy administration, often for pediatric use (indicated by “P”).
Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Ferrous Salt + Folic Acid Oral Liquid: 20 mg Elemental Iron + 100 mcg Folic Acid /mL
Description
This oral liquid is a combination supplement containing a ferrous salt (providing elemental iron) and folic acid, designed for oral administration. The specific concentration is 20 mg of elemental iron and 100 mcg (micrograms) of folic acid per milliliter of the liquid. The liquid form allows for flexible and precise dosing, making it particularly suitable for infants, young children, or adults who have difficulty swallowing tablets. It is used to treat and prevent deficiencies of both iron and folic acid, which are vital for red blood cell formation and overall health.
Advantages
- Flexible and Precise Dosing: The liquid format allows for highly accurate, weight-based dosing, which is essential for infants and young children to avoid under-dosing or over-dosing.
- Ease of Administration: Ideal for infants, young children, or individuals who cannot swallow tablets or capsules. It can be easily mixed with food or drinks (as advised by a healthcare professional).
- Comprehensive Anemia Treatment: Addresses both iron deficiency anemia and folate deficiency, which often co-exist, ensuring complete management.
- Essential for Growth and Development: Supports healthy red blood cell production, crucial for oxygen transport, energy, and overall growth in rapidly developing children.
- Improved Compliance: The palatable liquid form can make it easier for parents/caregivers to ensure children take their medication consistently.
Uses
This combination oral liquid is primarily used for the management and prevention of:
- Iron Deficiency Anemia: To replenish iron stores and improve hemoglobin levels, especially in infants and young children who are at high risk due to rapid growth, low birth weight, or inadequate dietary intake.
- Folate Deficiency Anemia: To correct low folic acid levels, vital for healthy red blood cell maturation and DNA synthesis.
- Nutritional Supplementation in Infants and Children: To meet the increased demands for iron and folic acid during periods of rapid growth, for example, in premature infants, low birth weight infants, or infants exclusively breastfed without adequate iron-fortified complementary foods after 6 months.
- Anemia Prophylaxis in High-Risk Pediatric Populations: Such as in children with chronic diseases or those on restricted diets.
- Anemia in Adults with Swallowing Difficulties: Can also be prescribed for adults or elderly patients who struggle with solid dosage forms.
Nature
This oral liquid combines two essential micronutrients crucial for hematopoiesis (blood cell formation) and overall physiological function:
- Elemental Iron (from a Ferrous Salt):
- Nature: Iron is an indispensable mineral, primarily for the synthesis of hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells) and myoglobin (oxygen storage in muscles). In this formulation, iron is present as a ferrous (Fe$^{2+}$) salt (e.g., ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, or ferrous ascorbate), which is the more bioavailable form compared to ferric iron.
- Mechanism of Action: Upon oral ingestion, the ferrous iron is absorbed primarily in the duodenum and upper jejunum. It then binds to transferrin in the bloodstream for transport to the bone marrow, where it is efficiently utilized in the production of new red blood cells. Excess iron is stored as ferritin and hemosiderin.
- Folic Acid (Vitamin B9):
- Nature: Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, a water-soluble B vitamin. It is critical for numerous metabolic processes, including DNA synthesis and repair, cell division, and the maturation of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
- Mechanism of Action: Folic acid is converted to its biologically active forms (e.g., tetrahydrofolate) within the body. These active forms serve as coenzymes in one-carbon metabolism, particularly in the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines (building blocks of DNA and RNA), and in amino acid interconversions. Adequate folic acid is essential for rapid cell proliferation, such as that occurring during red blood cell production. Deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, characterized by abnormally large, immature red blood cells.
The liquid formulation ensures that both these vital components are readily available for absorption, facilitating their roles in preventing and treating the respective deficiencies.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store the Ferrous Salt + Folic Acid Oral Liquid at controlled room temperature, typically between 20∘C to 25∘C (68∘F to 77∘F), unless specific manufacturer instructions dictate refrigeration after opening.
- Protect from Light and Freezing: Keep the bottle tightly closed and protected from direct light and excessive heat. Do not freeze the liquid, as this can affect its stability, taste, and effectiveness.
- Secure Storage (Iron Poisoning Risk): This is extremely important, especially for liquid iron supplements which can look appealing to children. Store the medication securely, completely out of the sight and reach of children and pets. Accidental iron overdose is a leading cause of poisoning in young children and can be fatal. Use child-resistant caps if provided.
- Measure Accurately: Always use the provided measuring device (oral syringe or dosing cup) to ensure accurate dosing. Do not use household spoons.
- Check Expiry Date: Always check the expiry date printed on the packaging. Do not use the medication after this date. Properly dispose of any expired or unused medication according to local guidelines.