The preparation is a macromolecular complex, consisting of iron(III) hydroxide (trivalent iron, Fe3+, Fe(OH)3·H2O) and the carrier polymaltose and is available in solid form as a film-coated or chewable tablet and in liquid form as a syrup, drinkable solution, or drops.
No passive diffusion takes place, which ensures that practically no unbound (to transferrin) iron reaches the blood.
[1] The absorbed iron is primarily stored in the liver as ferritin (protein used for iron storage) and subsequently made available to the body for various functions, primarily for incorporation into the red blood cells' hemoglobin, thereby transporting oxygen in the blood.
The effectiveness and safety have been investigated and documented in numerous clinical studies and in various patient populations.
[4] This has included children, young people, adults, and the elderly, in addition to pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
Randomized, open, multicenter, controlled study in pregnant women affected by iron deficiency anemia.
[6] Randomized, multicenter, double-blind study in adults affected by iron deficiency anemia.
Commonly observed side-effects, occurring in 1 to 10% of cases, include stool discoloration, diarrhea, nausea, and dyspepsia.
Uncommon side-effects, occurring in 0.1 to 1% of cases, include constipation, vomiting, stomachache, tooth discoloration, itchiness, and headache.
The preparation is available in various galenic formulations: syrup, drops, drinkable solution, film-coated tablets, and chewable tables.