Ferrous gluconate

Absorption

The efficiency of absorption depends on the salt form, the amount administered, the dosing regimen and the size of iron stores. Subjects with normal iron stores absorb 10% to 35% of an iron dose. Those who are iron deficient may absorb up to 95% of an iron dose.

Toxicity

Acute iron overdosage can be divided into four stages. In the first stage, which occurs up to six hours after ingestion, the principal symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea. Other symptoms include hypotension, tachycardia and CNS depression ranging from lethargy to coma. The second phase may occur at 6-24 hours after ingestion and is characterized by a temporary remission. In the third phase, gastrointestinal symptoms recur accompanied by shock, metabolic acidosis, coma, hepatic necrosis and jaundice, hypoglycemia, renal failure and pulmonary edema. The fourth phase may occur several weeks after ingestion and is characterized by gastrointestinal obstruction and liver damage. In a young child, 75 milligrams per kilogram is considered extremely dangerous. A dose of 30 milligrams per kilogram can lead to symptoms of toxicity. Estimates of a lethal dosage range from 180 milligrams per kilogram and upwards. A peak serum iron concentration of five micrograms or more per ml is associated with moderate to severe poisoning in many.

Chemical properties

Ferrous Gluconate is a yellow-gray or light green-yellow fine powder or granules with a slightly caramel-like smell. Soluble in water (10g/100mg warm water), almost insoluble in ethanol. The 5% aqueous solution is acidic to litmus, and the aqueous solution can be stabilized by adding glucose.

The Uses of Ferrous gluconate

Ferrous Gluconate is a nutrient and dietary supplement that is a source of iron and a coloring adjunct. it is a yellowish gray to pale greenish yellow powder or granules with a burnt sugar odor. it has a solubility of 1 g in approximately 10 ml of water with slight heating. it is used by the pharmaceutical industry as an iron supplement in vitamin pills. it is used by olive growers to darken the olives to a uniform black color. it can function as an iron fortifier in corn and soy products, breakfast cereals, beverages, and dietary foods.

Indications

Used in preventing and treating iron-deficiency anemia.

Preparation

Ferrous gluconate is prepared from barium gluconate and iron sulfate.

Biological Functions

Ferrous Gluconate is a form of mineral iron for oral administration, Ferrous Gluconate is absorbed in the stomach and small intestine and combines with apoferritin to form ferritin, which is stored in the liver, spleen, red bone marrow, and intestinal mucosa. Important in transport of oxygen by hemoglobin to the tissues, iron is also found in myoglobin, transferrin, and ferritin, and is as a component of many enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase, and cytochromes. (NCI04)

General Description

Ferrous Gluconate is an iron mineral salt used in iron and multivitamin supplements. It is used to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia (a lack of red blood cells caused by having too little iron in the body).

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Pharmacokinetics

The major activity of supplemental iron is in the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anemia. Iron has putative immune-enhancing, anticarcinogenic and cognition-enhancing activities.

Safety Profile

Poison by intraperitoneal and intravenous routes. Moderately toxic by ingestion. Human systemic effects by ingestion: hypermothty, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Experimental reproductive effects. Questionable carcinogen with experimental tumorigenic data. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Drug interactions

Potentially hazardous interactions with other drugs
Antibacterials: reduced absorption of 4-quinolones and tetracyclines.
Dimercaprol: avoid concomitant use.
Mycophenolate: may significantly reduce absorption of mycophenolate.

Metabolism

Not Available

Metabolism

Following absorption, the majority of iron is bound to transferrin and transported to the bone marrow where it is incorporated into haemoglobin. The remainder is stored within ferritin or haemosiderin or is incorporated into myoglobin with smaller amounts occurring in haemcontaining enzymes or in plasma bound to transferrin. Only very small amounts are excreted as the body reabsorbs the iron after the haemoglobin has broken down.