Dosing and uses of Feostat, Hemocyte (ferrous fumarate)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
tablets
- 63mg (20mg Fe)
- 324mg (106mg Fe)
- 325mg (106mg Fe)
tablet extended release
- 150mg (50mg Fe)
Iron Deficiency, Chronic Hemodialysis with Erythropoietin Treatment
150-200 mg Fe (elemental iron)/day PO; may administer 60-100 mg elemental iron q12hr or up to 60 mg elemental iron q6hr
Prophylaxis of Iron Deficiency
60-100 mg Fe (elemental iron)/day PO
Administration
For maximum absorption take on empty stomach, but may take with or after meals to minimize GI irritation
Vitamin C may enhance absorption
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
tablets
- 63mg (20mg Fe)
- 200mg (66mg Fe)
- 324mg (106mg Fe)
- 325mg (107mg Fe)
tablet extended release
- 150mg (50mg Fe)
Iron-deficiency Anemia, Treatment
3-6 mg Fe/kg/day qDay or divided q8hr PO
Iron-deficiency Anemia, Prophylaxis
1-2 mg Fe/kg/day qDay or divided q8hr PO ≤15 mg/day
Recommended Daily Allowance
Males >10 years old: 12 mg/day Fe PO
Females >10 years old: 15 mg/day Fe PO
Administration
For maximum absorption take on empty stomach, but may take with or after meals to minimize GI irritation
Vitamin C may enhance absorption
Geriatric dosage forms and strengths
Lower doses of 15-50 mg elemental iron/day recommended may cause fewer GI adverse ements
Feostat, Hemocyte (ferrous fumarate) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea
Constipation
Urine discoloration
Stomach cramping
Dark stools
Heartburn
Diarrhea
Esophagitis
Gastrointestinal discomfort
Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, perforation (rare)
Dental staining
Warnings
Black box warnings
Severe iron toxicity may occur in overdose, especially when ingested by children.
Nonintentional iron overdose is the leading cause of fatal poisoning in children younger than 6 years. Keep out of reach of children
Contraindications
Hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, hemolytic anemia (unless iron-deficient state is also present)
Hypersensitivity
Cautions
Do not administer oral iron with parenteral iron
Absorption may be hindered by antacids containing Al or Mg
<6 years: Overdose is highly toxic
Prophylactic Palafer CF during pregnancy should be discontinued at term & switched to Palafer (or other iron supplements) post-parturition
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: not available
Lactation: enters breast milk
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Feostat, Hemocyte (ferrous fumarate)
Mechanism of action
Replacement of iron stores found in hemoglobin, myoglobin, and enzymes; works to transport oxygen via hemoglobin
Pharmacokinetics
Onset: 3-10 days (reticulocytosis); 2-4 weeks (hemoglobin values increase)
Protein bound: Serum transferrin
Excretion: Sweat, urine, menses, sloughing of intestinal mucosa
