Indications of Feofol 150 mg 0.5 mg

This capsule is a haematinic preparation for the treatment and prophylaxis of iron and folic acid deficiency, especially during pregnancy and lactation.

Theropeutic Class

Iron and Vitamin Combined preparations

Pharmacology

Ferrous Sulphate (Iron): Essential component in the formation of hemoglobin; adequate amounts of iron are necessary for effective erythropoiesis; also serves as a cofactor of several essential enzymes, including cytochromes that are involved in electron transport. Replacement of iron stores found in hemoglobin, myoglobin, and enzymes; works to transport oxygen via hemoglobin.Folic acid: Required for nucleoprotein synthesis and the maintenance of normal erythropoiesis; folic acid is converted in the liver and plasma to its metabolically active form, tetrahydrofolic acid, by dihydrofolate reductase; prevents neural tube defects in women of childbearing potential and higher doses required during pregnancy.

Dosage and Administration of Feofol 150 mg 0.5 mg

Take Ferrous sulfate and Folic acid on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Avoid taking antacids or antibiotics within 2 hours before or after taking ferrous sulfate and folic acid.Ferrous sulfate and folic acid is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you should eat to make sure you get enough iron and folic acid from both your diet and your medication.Do not crush, chew, break, or open the extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. Breaking or opening the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

Dosage of Feofol 150 mg 0.5 mg

1 (one) capsule a day, throughout pregnancy and lactation. Some patients may need a higher dose because of dietary or other factors.

Interaction of Feofol 150 mg 0.5 mg

The absorption of both iron salts and tetracyclines is diminished when they are taken concomitantly by mouth. The absorption of iron salts may also be decreased by magnesium trisilicate-containing antacid.

Contraindications

Contraindicated in patients receiving repeated blood transfusions or in patients with anaemias not produced by iron deficiency unless iron deficiency is also present.

Side Effects of Feofol 150 mg 0.5 mg

Because iron salts are astringent, gastrointestinal irritation may occur. Nausea and epigastric pain are dose related.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy Category- Not Classified. FDA has not yet classified the drug into a specified pregnancy category.

Precautions and Warnings

Iron chelates with antacid and tetracycline and absorption of all these may be impaired if taken concurrently. However, the administration of tetracycline during pregnancy is contraindicated.

Overdose Effects of Feofol 150 mg 0.5 mg

Symptoms of overdosage with iron salts include epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting, haematemesis and circulatory collapse. In severe cases encephalopathy, acute hepatic necrosis and acute renal failure may develop after a latent period. The timed release capsule presentation of ferrous sulfate may delay excessive absorption of iron and allow more time for the initiation of appropriate counter measures. Treatment consists of gastric lavage followed by the introduction of 5 gm desferrioxamine into the stomach. Serum iron levels should be monitored, in severe cases intravenous desferrioxamine should be given together with supportive and symptomatic measures as required.

Storage Conditions

Do not store above 25°C temperature, keep away from light and wet place. Keep out of reach of children.

Drug Classes

Iron and Vitamin Combined preparations

Mode Of Action

Iron is an essential constituent of the body, being necessary for haemoglobin formation and for the oxidative processes of living tissues. Iron is primarily absorbed from the duodenum and upper jejunum. The ferrous salt form is absorbed three times more readily than the ferric salt form. The adult male has a requirement of only 13 µg/kg per day (about 1 mg), whereas the menstruating female requires about 21 µg/kg per day (about 1.4 mg). In the last two trimesters of pregnancy, requirements increase to about 80 µg/kg per day (5 to 6 mg). Folic acid is an important factor in cell division and without it, division stops. Adequate folic acid is required for normal erythropoiesis. Deficiency of Folic Acid causes megaloblastic anaemia