Pharmacology II - Med Outline: Ferrous Sulfate / Iron

Patient Teaching:

*Alert Parents* As little as 3 tabs or 2 to 10 grams can cause fatal iron toxcicity, deadly overdose in children. Keep out of reach, even if it's their chewable version.

Absorption / Excretion / Half-life

Absorbed mostly through duodenum or proximal jejunum of small intestine. Transported by protein into blood, then to bone marrow. Excretion is minimal, urine, sweat, pores, nails.

Med/Food Interactions:

Antacids (lactose interferes with absorption), tetracycline, fluorquinolones, ascorbic acid, Vitamin E, & many Thyroid medications. Food- No dairy (lactose), cheese, cereals, eggs, milk, yogurt, breads, coffee or teas. Separate Iron supplements from most food & meds by 2 hours.

Treatment Topic - Anemia & basic definition:

Disorder of too few or ineffective erythrocytes or RBC's, the will alter the bloods ability to carry oxygen to cells.

Nursing Interventions:

Evaluate Hgb, Hct, & Reticulocyte counts. Teach Pt to take liquid form with straw or put drops in back of throat to avoid teeth staining.

Drug Name & Class:

Ferrous Sulfate Iron Supplement

Adverse Effects:

GI upset, constipation, NVD, anorexia, black stools, teeth staining with liquid form & toxicity risk. Higher in men b/c no periods and children with access.

Notes: Put it all together

If a client has a colon resection or perforation in the proximal area of small intestine, the ferrous sulfate will have little absorption causing decreased: material for RBC's, O2 carriers to cells, and eventual decrease function of cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, which can lead to serious secondary health issues with possible death.

Therapeutic Uses:

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Contraindications:

Oral- Peptic ulcer dx, ulcertive colitis, people receiving multiple blood transfusions. IV- Iron Dextron- Anaphylaxis, & hypotension.

Med Administration / Routes / Forms:

Oral- Solution, syrup, elixer, drops, capsules, tablets. IV Solution. Dose: Adult- 50 to 100 mg tid Child- 3 to 6 mg/kg Po divided into 3 doses. (Not tid in general sense.)

Action:

Provides elemental iron essential to hemoglobin formation. Hgb is the protein carrier of erythrocytes (RBC's.)

Patient Teaching:

Take Ferrous Sulfate on an empty stomach or at least no dairy. Enteric coated tabs may help, but less absorption. Take with Vitamin C to help it absorb & with Water or Juices. Not Grapefruit Juice. Can cause dark, black stools that can mask melena or blood in stool, so f/u blood labs are important.