Iron medication names
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Iron Medication Names: A Comprehensive Overview
Oral Iron Medications for Anemia Treatment
Chromagen, Feosol, Niferex, and Tabron
Oral iron supplements are commonly used to treat iron deficiency anemia. Among the various preparations, Chromagen (ferrous fumarate), Feosol (ferrous sulfate), Niferex (polysaccharide iron complex), and Tabron (ferrous fumarate) are notable. A study involving patients receiving recombinant human erythropoietin showed that these medications could maintain target hematocrit levels over six months. However, the efficacy varied, with Tabron showing the highest percentage of transferrin saturation above 20% (58%), followed by Feosol (47%), Chromagen (33%), and Niferex (31%).
Intravenous Iron Medications
Ferric Carboxymaltose (FeCarb)
Ferric carboxymaltose (FeCarb) is an intravenous iron formulation used to treat iron deficiency anemia, particularly in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A study demonstrated that FeCarb is noninferior to oral ferrous sulfate in increasing hemoglobin levels over 12 weeks. FeCarb provided a faster increase in hemoglobin and a significant refill of iron stores compared to oral ferrous sulfate.
Ferumoxytol (Feraheme)
Ferumoxytol is another intravenous iron product approved for treating iron deficiency anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Clinical trials have shown that ferumoxytol significantly increases hemoglobin levels compared to oral iron. It is administered as two 510 mg IV injections, which is more effective than oral iron in increasing hemoglobin and transferrin saturation .
Iron Dextran, Iron Sucrose, and Sodium Ferric Gluconate
Iron dextran, iron sucrose, and sodium ferric gluconate are traditional intravenous iron formulations. Iron dextran has been associated with a higher incidence of anaphylactic reactions, prompting the use of test doses before full administration. Despite this, all these formulations are considered safe, with iron sucrose being the most frequently used due to its lower incidence of adverse events .
Ferric Carboxymaltose and Hypophosphatemia
While ferric carboxymaltose is effective in treating iron deficiency anemia, it has been associated with hypophosphatemia, a condition characterized by low phosphate levels in the blood. This can lead to severe complications such as bone pain and fractures, highlighting the need for careful monitoring during treatment.
Iron Chelation Therapy
Desferrioxamine, Deferiprone, and Deferasirox
For patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia, iron chelation therapy is essential to manage iron overload. Desferrioxamine is a widely used iron chelator, but adherence can be challenging due to its administration method. Oral chelators like deferiprone and deferasirox offer more convenient alternatives. Studies suggest that combination therapy with desferrioxamine and deferiprone may be more effective in reducing iron stores compared to monotherapy .
Conclusion
Iron medications, both oral and intravenous, play a crucial role in managing iron deficiency anemia and iron overload conditions. Each formulation has its unique benefits and potential side effects, necessitating careful selection based on patient needs and clinical conditions. Understanding the differences among these medications can help optimize treatment outcomes and improve patient quality of life.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic