Trace Element·Vitamins & Minerals

Iron

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA)

PBSMINERALFerro-gradumet (Sulfate), FGF (with Folate), Maltofer (Polymaltose), Ferrinject (IV)Tablets, Oral Liquid (Stains…S4+1

No source link confirmed for this record yet. Its own source notes are under Additional.

At a glance

Dose

100 mg Elemental

Caution: Freq

ALTERNATE DAYS

High risk: Anaphylaxis

IV RISK

Caution: Stool Color

BLACK

Cautions

Avoid / Cautions

Hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, anemia NOT caused by iron deficiency (e.g., Thalassemia, B12 deficiency). Pregnancy Category A (Oral). IV iron is widely used in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters but generally avoided in the 1st.

Where it stands

Rapid Summary

Overview

Essential trace element required for haemoglobin synthesis. Oral forms are poorly tolerated and require specific acidic environments to absorb. IV forms bypass the gut but carry a risk of hypersensitivity.

Clinical Focus

Confirm iron deficiency and likely cause, then choose oral alternate-day dosing or IV iron based on severity, tolerance, pregnancy trimester, and urgency.

Bottom Line

Iron is first-line treatment for iron deficiency anaemia, but oral formulations cause significant GI intolerance (take on empty stomach with vitamin C) and IV iron carries anaphylaxis risk.

Formulation & Access

Brand Names

Ferro-gradumet (Sulfate), FGF (with Folate), Maltofer (Polymaltose), Ferrinject (IV)

Oral Routes

Tablets, Oral Liquid (Stains teeth black, use a straw).

Parenteral

Vials for IV infusion.

Prescribing & PBS

Over The Counter (PO). PBS Restricted (IV).

Indications & Use

Primary

PBSTGA

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA).

Clinical Place

First-line oral replenishment. IV is reserved for patients who fail PO, cannot tolerate the GI side effects, or require rapid Hb restoration pre-surgery/3rd trimester.

Quick reference

Class & Role

Trace Element — Essential trace element required for haemoglobin synthesis.

Route / Formulation

Tablets, Oral Liquid (Stains teeth black, use a straw). (Ferro-gradumet (Sulfate), FGF (with Folate), Maltofer (Polymaltose), Ferrinject (IV))

Usual Dose & Max

PO 100 mg elemental iron (e.g., 1 tablet of Ferro-gradumet) EVERY SECOND DAY, taken on an empty stomach with a glass of orange juice (Vitamin C). Max 100-200 mg Elemental Iron per day (PO). Note: 325 mg of Ferrous Sulfate contains only ~100 mg of actual elemental iron.

Key Indication Doses

Iron Deficiency Anemia (Oral): PO 100 mg elemental iron (e.g., 1 tablet of Ferro-gradumet) EVERY SECOND DAY, taken on an empty stomach with a glass of orange juice (Vitamin C). Iron Infusion (IV): IV Ferric carboxymaltose (Ferrinject) 500 mg - 1000 mg infused strictly over 15 mins. Max 1000 mg/week.

Best Uses

Iron is first-line treatment for iron deficiency anaemia, but oral formulations cause significant GI intolerance (take on empty stomach with vitamin C) and IV iron carries anaphylaxis risk.

Key Risks

Gastrointestinal: Severe constipation, nausea, dark black/tarry stools, abdominal cramping (PO iron is extremely harsh on the stomach). Immunological: IV formulations carry a rare but severe risk of hypersensitivity/anaphylactoid reactions and severe hypophosphatemia (Ferrinject specifically drops serum phosphate). Tissue: IV iron extravasation permanently 'tattoos' the patient's skin a dark rusty brown color. Irreversible. Must ensure IV line is pristine.

Key Interactions

Calcium, Antacids, Milk, Tea, Coffee. These instantly bind iron in the gut, dropping absorption to near ZERO. Separate by 2-4 hours. Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, Thyroxine, Levodopa. Iron binds to these drugs and destroys their absorption. Separate strictly by 2-4 hours. BENEFICIAL — Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) drastically acidifies the stomach and keeps iron in the absorbable Fe2+ state, boosting absorption by 30%.

Monitoring

Monitor FBC, Ferritin, and Iron Studies. Do NOT recheck iron studies within 4 weeks of an IV infusion (ferritin will be falsely elevated). Monitor Phosphate post-IV. Warn patients about black stools so they don't panic thinking they have a GI bleed.

Clinical Pearl

When you take an iron pill, the liver releases Hepcidin, a hormone that slams the iron absorption doors in the gut shut for 24-48 hours. Taking iron twice a day is completely useless; it just builds up in the colon and causes agonizing constipation. Taking it Monday, Wednesday, Friday allows Hepcidin to reset, doubling absorption and halving side effects.

Access

Ferro-gradumet (Sulfate), FGF (with Folate), Maltofer (Polymaltose), Ferrinject (IV)Tablets, Oral Liquid (Stains…

Brand: Ferro-gradumet (Sulfate), FGF (with Folate), Maltofer (Polymaltose), Ferrinject (IV)
Formulation: Tablets, Oral Liquid (Stains teeth black, use a straw).

From this page

No calculator, monitoring schedule or factsheet is linked to this medicine page yet.

Trace Element·Vitamins & Minerals

Iron

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA)

PBSMINERALFerro-gradumet (Sulfate), FGF (with Folate), Maltofer (Polymaltose), Ferrinject (IV)Tablets, Oral Liquid (Stains…S4+1

No source link confirmed for this record yet. Its own source notes are under Additional.

At a glance

Dose

100 mg Elemental

Caution: Freq

ALTERNATE DAYS

High risk: Anaphylaxis

IV RISK

Caution: Stool Color

BLACK

Cautions

Avoid / Cautions

Where it stands

Rapid Summary

Overview

Clinical Focus

Confirm iron deficiency and likely cause, then choose oral alternate-day dosing or IV iron based on severity, tolerance, pregnancy trimester, and urgency.

Bottom Line

Iron is first-line treatment for iron deficiency anaemia, but oral formulations cause significant GI intolerance (take on empty stomach with vitamin C) and IV iron carries anaphylaxis risk.

Formulation & Access

Brand Names

Ferro-gradumet (Sulfate), FGF (with Folate), Maltofer (Polymaltose), Ferrinject (IV)

Oral Routes

Tablets, Oral Liquid (Stains teeth black, use a straw).

Parenteral

Vials for IV infusion.

Prescribing & PBS

Over The Counter (PO). PBS Restricted (IV).

Indications & Use

Primary

PBSTGA

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA).

Clinical Place

First-line oral replenishment. IV is reserved for patients who fail PO, cannot tolerate the GI side effects, or require rapid Hb restoration pre-surgery/3rd trimester.

Quick reference

Class & Role

Trace Element — Essential trace element required for haemoglobin synthesis.

Route / Formulation

Tablets, Oral Liquid (Stains teeth black, use a straw). (Ferro-gradumet (Sulfate), FGF (with Folate), Maltofer (Polymaltose), Ferrinject (IV))

Usual Dose & Max

Key Indication Doses

Best Uses

Iron is first-line treatment for iron deficiency anaemia, but oral formulations cause significant GI intolerance (take on empty stomach with vitamin C) and IV iron carries anaphylaxis risk.

Key Risks

Key Interactions

Monitoring

Clinical Pearl

Access

Ferro-gradumet (Sulfate), FGF (with Folate), Maltofer (Polymaltose), Ferrinject (IV)Tablets, Oral Liquid (Stains…

Brand: Ferro-gradumet (Sulfate), FGF (with Folate), Maltofer (Polymaltose), Ferrinject (IV)
Formulation: Tablets, Oral Liquid (Stains teeth black, use a straw).

From this page

No calculator, monitoring schedule or factsheet is linked to this medicine page yet.