Company:

Mission

Iron (as carbonyl) 90mg, folic acid 1mg, Vit.B₁₂ 12mcg, Vit.C 120mg, docusate sodium 50mg; tabs; contains tartrazine.

Iron deficiency anemia.

Iron plays an important role in hemoglobin synthesis, erythropoiesis and as a cofactor of several essential enzymes. When taken orally, iron is efficiently absorbed when taken between meals. Orally-dosed iron can be administered as carbonyl iron or as an iron salt such as ferrous sulfate. Oral carbonyl iron is preferred over iron salts due to its lower gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity and equal effectiveness in correcting iron deficiency. The bioavailability of carbonyl iron is similar to that of ferrous iron. Carbonyl iron requires gastric acid to produce a soluble form of iron for GI absorption. The balance between the soluble iron production and its uptake by the intestines leads to a gradual systemic absorption of carbonyl iron into the patient. This gradual GI absorption is credited with carbonyl iron’s safety and tolerability profile.

Folic acid is required for nucleoprotein synthesis and erythropoiesis maintenance. Additionally, folic acid is the precursor of tetrahydrofolic acid, a cofactor for the synthesis of purines and thymidylates of nucleic acids. Deficient levels of folic acid may lead to megaloblast formation and megaloblastic macrocytic anemias caused by defective DNA synthesis.

Vit. B₁₂ is essential for growth, cell reproduction, hematopoiesis, nucleic acid and myelin synthesis. Deficient levels of Vit. B₁₂ may lead to megaloblastic anemia or pernicious anemia.

A randomized double-blind trial compared the standard dose of ferrous sulfate to a dose of carbonyl iron that was 10 times greater. The results showed that even at a highly elevated dose, carbonyl iron showed no significant difference in GI side effects compared to ferrous sulfate.

Swallow whole. Take 2hrs after meals. 1 tab once daily.

Not recommended.

Hemolytic anemia. Hemochromatosis. Hemosiderosis.

May mask pernicious anemia. Monitor hemoglobin, hematocrit, reticulocyte count periodically. Elderly.

Inhibits tetracycline, fluoroquinolone absorption. Aluminum- or magnesium-containing antacids inhibit iron absorption.

GI upset or irritation, constipation, dark stools, allergic sensitization.

Tabs—90

6/12/08