polysaccharide iron (Niferex, Hytinic, Ferrex, FeTinic, Polysaccharide Iron Complex)
Classes: Iron Products
Dosing and uses of Niferex, Hytinic (polysaccharide iron)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
capsule
- 150mg
Prevention/Treatment of Iron Deficiency
150-300 mg PO q8hr
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
capsule
- 150 mg
Treatment of Iron-deficiency Anemia
Preemie: 2-4 mg Fe/kg/day PO qDay divided q12hr; not to exceed 15 mg/day
Children: 3-6 mg Fe/kg/day PO qDay divided q12hr
Iron-deficiency Anemia, Prophylaxis
Preemie: 2 mg Fe/kg/day PO PO qDay divided q8hr; not to exceed 15 mg/day
Children: 1-2 mg Fe/kg/day PO qDay divided q8hr; not to exceed 15 mg/day
>10 Years Old
- Males: 2 mg/day Fe PO
- Females: 5 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
Niferex, Hytinic (polysaccharide iron) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Nausea
Constipation
Stomach carmping
epigastric pain
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Discolored urine
Dark stools
Heartburn
Staining of teeth
Abdominal pain
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, hemolytic anemia, PUD, ulcerative colitis
Cautions
Type of anemia & causes of it should be determined prior to treatment
Iron can be harmful or fatal to children in large doses
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: A
Lactation: consult physician
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 Niferex, Hytinic (polysaccharide iron)
Mechanism of action
Essential nutrient, component of heme & nonheme iron proteins; works as cofactor of several essential enzymes, including cytochromes, which are involved in electron transport
