Ferrous Sulfate + Folic Acid + Zinc Sulfate

Generic Details

Generic Name

Ferrous Sulfate, Folic Acid, Zinc Sulfate

Other Names

  • iron-folic acid-zinc

Drug Class

  • Nutritional Supplement

Chemical Formula

FeSO4 + C19H19N7O6 + ZnSO4

Molecular Weight

399.88 g/mol (FeSO4) + 441.4 g/mol (Folic Acid) + 287.54 g/mol (ZnSO4)

Mechanism of Action

  • Ferrous Sulfate helps in the formation of hemoglobin, folic acid aids in DNA synthesis, and Zinc is essential for enzymatic reactions and immune function.

Indications

  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Pregnancy for fetal development
  • Nutritional supplement in those with inadequate dietary intake

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablet
  • Capsule

Typical Dosage

  • 325 mg ferrous sulfate + 1 mg folic acid + 60 mg zinc sulfate once daily

Pediatric Dosage

  • Dosage adjusted based on weight and age

Geriatric Dosage

  • Dosage adjustment may be required based on renal function

Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Stomach upset
  • Allergic reactions

Contraindications

  • Hemochromatosis
  • Thalassemia
  • Hypersensitivity to any component

Pregnancy Category

  • A - Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).

Lactation Safety

  • Compatible with breastfeeding in recommended doses

Drug Interactions

  • Antacids
  • Proton pump inhibitors may decrease iron absorption

Overdose Symptoms

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Gastric irritation

Antidote for Overdose

  • Deferoxamine for iron toxicity

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Variable absorption rates based on the individual's iron stores
  • Distribution: Distributed in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow
  • Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver
  • Excretion: Excreted in feces and urine

Precautions

  • Monitoring of hemoglobin levels and iron parameters during therapy

Warnings

  • Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6.