NAME OF DRUG

USES
DOSAGE
CONTRAINDICATION
ADVERSE EFFECT
NURSING CONSIDERATION

FERROUS
SULFATE
>Elevates the serum iron concentration which then helps to form High or trapped
in the reticuloendothelial cells for storage and eventual conversion to a usable
form of iron.
Usual Adult Dose for Iron Deficiency Anemia
Initial: 300 to 325 mg of regular-release ferrous sulfate orally once a day.
Maintenance:
Regular-release ferrous sulfate: 325 mg orally 3 times a day. Alternatively, 300
mg orally 4 times a day may be given.
Extended-release ferrous sulfate: 160 mg orally 1 to 2 times a day.
Resolution of iron deficiency anemia may require ferrous sulfate supplementation
for several weeks or months, depending on the duration and severity of the anem
ia.
Usual Adult Dose for Anemia Associated with Chronic Renal Failure
Initial: 300 to 325 mg of regular-release ferrous sulfate orally once a day.
Maintenance:
Regular-release ferrous sulfate: 325 mg orally 3 times a day. Alternatively, 300
mg orally 4 times a day may be given.
Extended-release ferrous sulfate: 160 mg orally 1 to 2 times a day.
A transferrin saturation of less than 20%, or a serum ferritin level of less tha
n 100 mcg/L suggests inadequate iron stores and a need for iron replacement ther
apy.
Continued iron replacement therapy is needed in most patients receiving epoetin
alfa treatment.
Usual Adult Dose for Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation during Pregnancy/Lactation
325 mg orally once a day.
The CDC has defined anemia during pregnancy as a hemoglobin concentration less t
han 100 g/L during the first and third trimesters and less than 105 g/L during t
he second trimester or a hematocrit value of less than 32%.
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of elemental iron is 30 mg orally during p
regnancy and 15 mg orally during lactation.
Usual Adult Dose for Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation
325 mg orally once a day.
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of elemental iron is 10 mg for adult males
, 15 mg for adult, premenopausal women, and 10 mg for postmenopausal women.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Iron Deficiency Anemia
Premature neonates:
2 to 4 mg elemental iron/kg/day divided every 12 to 24 hours (maximum daily dose
= 15 mg).
Infants and children <12 years:
Prophylaxis: 1 to 2 mg elemental iron/kg/day (maximum 15 mg) in 1 to 2 divided d
oses.
Mild to moderate iron deficiency anemia:
3 mg elemental iron/kg/day in 1 to 2 divided doses.
Severe iron deficiency anemia:
4 to 6 mg elemental iron/kg/day in 3 divided doses.
Contraindicated with Hypersensitivity and Severe hypotension
>Dizziness
> N & V
> Nasal Congestion
> Dyspnea
>Hypotension
>CHF
>MI
>Muscle cramps
>Flushing
>Advise to take medicine as prescribed.
>Caution to make position changes slowly to minimize orhtostatic hypotension.
>Instruct to avoid concurrent use of alcohol or OTC medicine without consulting
the physician.
>Advise to consult physician if irregular heartbeat, dyspnea, swelling of hands
and feet and hypotension occurs.
>Inform that angina attacks may occur 30 min. after administration due reflex ta
chycardia.
>Encourage to comply with additional intervention for hypertension like proper d
iet, regular exercise, lifestyle changes and stress management.