- What is polysaccharide iron complex? What is its (mechanism of action)?
- What is polysaccharide iron complex used for?
- What are the side effects of polysaccharide iron complex?
- What is the dosage for polysaccharide iron complex?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with polysaccharide iron complex?
- Is polysaccharide iron complex safe to take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should you know about polysaccharide iron complex?
What is polysaccharide iron complex? What is its (mechanism of action)?
Polysaccharide iron complex is an iron containing drug used to improve low iron levels. Iron is an essential nutrient. It is a component of hemoglobin in red blood cells and myoglobin in muscle cells, proteins that are used to transport oxygen. Iron also is part of several essential enzymes, for example, cytochromes, which are involved in electron transport. Iron deficiency causes anemia.
Polysaccharide iron complex is available in generic form and is available over-the-counter (OTC). without a prescription.
What is polysaccharide iron complex used for?
- Pyrimethamine is used in adults and children to treat or prevent certain types of malaria. However, pyrimethamine is generally not preferred as a medicine to prevent malaria while traveling. When used to treat malaria, pyrimethamine should be used together with a faster-acting anti-malaria medicine such as chloroquine or quinine.
- Pyrimethamine is also used to treat toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by the Toxoplasma parasite.
- Pyrimethamine also may be used for purposes.
What are the side effects of polysaccharide iron complex?
Common side effects of polysaccharide iron complex are:
- constipation,
- diarrhea,
- nausea,
- dark stools, and
- abdominal pain.
What is the dosage for polysaccharide iron complex?
The recommended daily dose for adults is one to two capsules by mouth daily or as directed by doctor.
A doctor should be consulted before polysaccharide iron complex is used in children.

SLIDESHOW
Heart Disease: Causes of a Heart Attack See SlideshowWhich drugs or supplements interact with polysaccharide iron complex?
Polysaccharide iron complex should be used with caution with medications like ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), minocycline (Minocin), doxycycline (Vibramycin), levothyroxine (Synthroid), ibandronate (Boniva), and alendronate, (Fosamax). Polysaccharide iron complex can slow down the absorption of such medications and may reduce their therapeutic effects.
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Is polysaccharide iron complex safe to take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
- The FDA classifies polysaccharide iron complex in pregnancy category A, which means that polysaccharide iron complex can be safely and effectively used in pregnant females without any risks to the unborn.
- It is not known whether polysaccharide iron complex enters breast milk; therefore, it is best to be cautious before using it in nursing mothers.
Summary
Polysaccharide iron complex (Iferex 150, Ferrex 150, Niferex 150) is a prescription medication used to prevent or treat anemia. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, storage, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
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Related Disease Conditions
-
Anemia
Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is, therefore, decreased. There are several types of anemia such as iron deficiency anemia (the most common type), sickle cell anemia, vitamin B12 anemia, pernicious anemia, and aplastic anemia. Symptoms of anemia may include fatigue, malaise, hair loss, palpitations, menstruation, and medications. Treatment for anemia includes treating the underlying cause for the condition. Iron supplements, vitamin B12 injections, and certain medications may also be necessary.
-
Pernicious Anemia
Pernicious anemia is a blood disorder in which the body does not make enough red blood cells due to a lack of vitamin B12 in the blood. Pernicious anemia can develop from a lack of a protein that helps the body absorb vitamin B12, not getting enough B12 in the diet, and certain intestinal conditions that interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 such as Crohn's disease, celiac sprue, or ulcerative colitis. There is no cure for pernicious anemia, thus treatment is life-long.
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