Sodium feredetate

How it works

It provides elemental iron in a chelated form that is absorbed from the gut and incorporated into haemoglobin, replenishing iron stores required for erythropoiesis.

Prescribing in practice

• Iron preparations are a leading cause of accidental poisoning in young children, so containers must be stored securely out of reach.
• Absorption is reduced by tea, antacids and some other drugs, so timing relative to meals and interacting medicines should be considered.
• Anaemia should be confirmed as iron-deficient before treatment, and an underlying cause sought.

Monitoring

Check haemoglobin and other iron indices to confirm response and decide when to stop, continuing for a period after normalisation to replenish stores.

Counselling the patient

• It may turn the stools dark and can cause stomach upset, constipation or diarrhoea.
• Keep well out of reach of children, as overdose can be very harmful.
• Take as directed and complete the course to rebuild iron stores.

Evidence & guidelines

Oral iron salts are long-established first-line therapy for uncomplicated iron-deficiency anaemia as reflected in NICE guidance.