Ferrous gluconate is indicated in-

• Iron deficiency states

Iron Deficiency

Ferrous gluconate is available as 300mg tablets.

Adults and the elderly

• Prophylactic: 2 tablets daily.
• Therapeutic: 4-6 tablets daily in divided doses.

Children(aged 6-12 years)

• Prophylactic: 1 or 2 tablets daily.
• Therapeutic: 3 tablets daily in divided doses.

Reconstitution of ferrous gluconate suspension:

Powder For Suspension

Ferrous gluconate is well tolerated. Large doses may cause the following side effects-

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Anorexia
• Diarrhea
• Dyspepsia

Abdominal Pain

Nausea

Diarrhea

Dyspepsia

• Large doses may have irritant/corrosive effect on gastro-intestinal mucosa which can lead to necrosis and perforation.
• Ferrous Gluconate should be used with caution in patients with hemolytic anemia. Caution is required in the elderly, who may be at increased risk of serious adverse reactions.
• Before starting treatment it is important to exclude any underlying causes of anemia, e.g. gastric erosions or colon carcinoma.
• Care should be exercised in patients with iron-absorption diseases. Patients post gastrectomy have poor absorption of iron. Caution is advised when prescribing iron preparations to individuals with history of peptic ulcer, and inflammatory bowel disease, including regional enteritis and ulcerative colitis and care should be exercised in patients with intestinal strictures and diverticula.
• Duration of treatment should generally not exceed 3 months after correction of anemia.
• Co-existing deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid should be ruled out since combined deficiency produces microcytic blood film.
• Dental caries is a definite risk following long term treatment with this product.
• Patients suffering from iron overload are particularly susceptible to infection. Treatment of iron overload should be with caution.