Ferrous%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520ascorbate

# Ferrous Ascorbate ## Overview Ferrous ascorbate is an oral iron supplement used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia. It combines ferrous iron with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to enhance iron absorption. ## Primary Indications * Treatment of iron deficiency anemia. * Prevention of iron deficiency anemia in individuals at risk. ## Adult Dosing * **Treatment:** 100 mg to 200 mg of elemental iron per day, divided into 1-2 doses. * *Example:* Ferrous ascorbate 60 mg elemental iron capsules: Take 2-3 capsules once or twice daily. * **Prevention:** 30 mg to 60 mg of elemental iron per day. * Maximum daily dose of elemental iron is typically 200 mg. ## Pediatric Dosing Dosing varies by age and weight, and should be guided by established protocols or a healthcare provider. * **Treatment (6 months to <12 years):** 3 mg/kg/day of elemental iron, divided into 1-2 doses, not to exceed 65 mg elemental iron per day. * **Treatment (12 years to <18 years):** 60 mg to 100 mg elemental iron per day, divided into 1-2 doses. * **Prevention (6 months to <12 years):** 1 mg/kg/day of elemental iron, not to exceed 15 mg elemental iron per day. * **Prevention (12 years to <18 years):** 30 mg elemental iron per day. ## Dose Adjustments * **Renal Impairment:** No specific dose adjustment is typically required for mild to moderate renal impairment, but caution is advised. Monitor iron levels closely. * **Hepatic Impairment:** No specific dose adjustment is typically required, but caution is advised. Monitor iron levels closely. ## Contraindications * Iron overload states (e.g., hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis). * Known hypersensitivity to ferrous ascorbate or its components. * Uncontrolled aplastic anemia. ## Adverse Effects * **Common:** Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, dark stools). * **Less Common:** Metallic taste, tooth staining. * **Rare:** Allergic reactions. ## Key Drug Interactions * **Absorption Decreased By:** Antacids, calcium supplements, tetracyclines, doxycycline, quinolones, levothyroxine, bisphosphonates, proton pump inhibitors, cholestyramine. Separate administration by at least 2 hours. * **Absorption Increased By:** Ascorbic acid (inherent in ferrous ascorbate). * **Effect Decreased By:** Iron supplements can decrease the absorption of certain medications. ## Monitoring * Hemoglobin and hematocrit. * Ferritin levels. * Clinical signs and symptoms of anemia. * Gastrointestinal tolerance. ## Clinical Pearls * Administer on an empty stomach for optimal absorption, but if gastrointestinal upset occurs, take with food. * Taking ferrous ascorbate with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) enhances iron absorption. Citric juices are often recommended. * Dark stools are a expected and harmless side effect. * Iron overdose is a medical emergency. Keep out of reach of children. --- *This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Always consult the most current prescribing information and relevant guidelines for complete details, including specific indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and potential adverse effects, before making any therapeutic decisions.*