What are the drugs for treating iron deficiency anemia

Common treatment drugs for iron deficiency anemia include iron supplements such as polysaccharide iron complexes, ferrous sulfate, and ferrous succinate, which, when combined with vitamin C, can promote iron absorption. Drug selection should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of anemia severity, gastrointestinal tolerance, and underlying diseases of the patient.

1. Polysaccharide iron complex:

is a novel organic iron agent with high iron content and minimal gastrointestinal irritation, suitable for pregnant women and those with weak gastrointestinal function. The drug is absorbed in molecular form in the intestine, unaffected by food, and can be taken with meals. The common adverse reaction is mild constipation, which can increase absorption rate by more than 30% when taken together with vitamin C.

2. Ferrous sulfate:

is a traditional inorganic iron agent that is cost-effective, but has significant gastrointestinal reactions and may cause symptoms such as nausea and abdominal pain. It is recommended to take it on an empty stomach to improve absorption rate, and avoid taking it with tea or coffee. During the treatment period, it is necessary to monitor changes in hemoglobin, and usually after 2 weeks of medication, reticulocytes begin to rise.

3. Ferrous Succinate:

Organic iron salt preparation, with a 20% increase in bioavailability compared to ferrous sulfate and a lower incidence of adverse reactions. Suitable for children and long-term treatment patients, some dosage forms are soluble in water and easy for people with swallowing difficulties to take. Temporary discoloration of teeth may occur during medication, and it is recommended to use a straw for administration.

4. Vitamin C assistance:

is a conventional combination drug for iron treatment, which can reduce trivalent iron to more easily absorbed divalent iron. It is clinically recommended to take iron supplements with 100-200mg vitamin C, but patients with gastric ulcers should use with caution. Citrus fruits, kiwifruit and other natural sources of vitamin C can also be used as dietary supplements.

5. Dextran iron injection:

is suitable for severe anemia patients who have ineffective oral iron supplements or urgently need iron supplementation. Deep muscle injection should be performed in the hospital. May cause allergic reactions, and a skin test is required for the first use of medication. This drug can be directly taken up and utilized by the mononuclear macrophage system, with a significantly faster onset of action than oral formulations. In addition to medication, it is recommended that patients with iron deficiency anemia increase their intake of heme iron such as red meat, animal liver, and blood products, and combine them with fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C to promote the absorption of non heme iron. Long term vegetarians should regularly test their serum ferritin to avoid strong tea and coffee affecting iron absorption. During the treatment period, blood routine tests should be rechecked monthly, and iron supplements should be taken continuously until hemoglobin is normal for 4-6 months to replenish stored iron. Pregnant women, adolescents, and other high-risk groups for iron deficiency can maintain their iron reserves through prophylactic supplementation of low-dose iron supplements.