How Far Is Too Far? The Ethics of Mini Brain Research
December 11, 2025
Free CME credits
Both our subscription plans include Free CME/CPD AMA PRA Category 1 credits.
Brand Name :
Ferrlecit
Synonyms :
ferric gluconate
Class :
Iron Products
Brand Name :
Ferrlecit
Synonyms :
ferric gluconate
Class :
Iron Products
Dosage Forms & Strengths 
injection
12.5mg/mL (5-mL vials)
125 mg Intravenous infusion for one hour; maximum of 250 mg per infusion for 8 hemodialysis episodes 
You could dilute it in 100 mL of 0.9% NaCl and take it for an hour 
Provide undiluted medicine, however you shouldn't give more than 12.5 mg per minute 
Note:  It is recommended for use in treating iron deficiency anemia in adults and children older than six years old who have chronic kidney disease, are getting hemodialysis, and are receiving additional epoetin therapy 
Many patients may need to receive a cumulative dose of 1000 mg of elemental iron over the course of 8 dialysis sessions for repletion treatment 
Age: ≥6 years 
8 hemodialysis sessions with an IV injection of 1.5 mg/kg elemental Fe over 1 hour 
No more than 125 mg/dose 
Note:  It is recommended for use in treating iron deficiency anemia in adults and children older than six years old who have chronic kidney disease, are getting hemodialysis, and are receiving additional epoetin therapy
Dosage Forms & Strengths 
injection
12.5mg/mL (5-mL vials)
Refer to adult dosing
Actions and Spectrum:
Ferric Gluconate is an iron supplement used to treat iron-deficiency anemia. It is in the form of iron (III) bound to gluconic acid.
Action:
Ferric gluconate is absorbed in the small intestine and increases the iron stores in the body.
Spectrum:
Ferric gluconate is used specifically for the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body’s tissues.
Frequency Defined 
>10% 
Nausea (35%)
Injection site reaction (33%)
Vomiting (35%)
Hypotension (29%)
Dizziness (13%)
Diarrhea (35%)
Cramps (25%)
Hypertension (13%)
Chest pain (10%)
Dyspnea (11%)
1-10%
Headache
Fatigue
Syncope
Asthenia
Fever
Cough
Edema
Black Box Warning
ferric gluconate is a type of iron supplement commonly used to treat iron-deficiency anemia. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Black Box Warning for ferric gluconate, which is the highest level of warning the FDA provides.
The warning states that serious and life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) have been reported with the use of ferric gluconate.
Contraindication/Caution:
Ferric gluconate should be used with caution in patients with the following conditions:
Anemia: Ferric gluconate can worsen the symptoms of anemia if not used appropriately.
Iron Overdose: Overdose of ferric gluconate can lead to iron toxicity, which can be dangerous and potentially fatal.
Blood Clotting Disorders: Ferric gluconate can increase the risk of blood clots in patients with blood clotting disorders.
Chronic Kidney Disease: Ferric gluconate may build up in the body in patients with chronic kidney disease, leading to toxicity.
Stomach Ulcers: Ferric gluconate may irritate the stomach and worsen symptoms of stomach ulcers.
Hemochromatosis: Ferric gluconate should not be used in patients with hemochromatosis, a genetic condition in which the body absorbs too much iron.
Allergic Reactions: Patients with a known allergy to iron products should not use ferric gluconate.
Pregnancy warnings:   
US FDA pregnancy category: N/A
Lactation:  
Excreted into human milk is unknown
Pregnancy Categories:        
Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester.
Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.
Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.
Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category
Pharmacology: 
Ferric gluconate is a form of iron that is used to treat iron-deficiency anemia. It is a complex of iron and gluconic acid and is administered intravenously (IV) or subcutaneously (SC).
Pharmacodynamics: 
The mechanism of action of ferric gluconate involves the formation of iron complexes in the bloodstream, which are then taken up by red blood cells. Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. By increasing the iron levels in the body, ferric gluconate helps to restore normal oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood and correct anemia.
Pharmacokinetics:  
Absorption 
ferric gluconate is absorbed in the small intestine through a complex process that involves the release of ferric ions and their transportation across the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. The amount of iron absorbed depends on the amount of iron needed by the body and the amount of iron available in the diet.
Distribution 
Once absorbed, ferric ions are transported throughout the body and are stored in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.
Metabolism 
ferric ions are metabolized by enzymes in the body to produce ferritin, a protein that stores iron in the body. Ferritin is also used to transport iron from the gut to the liver, where it is stored.
Elimination and Excretion 
Iron is excreted from the body through feces, sweat, and skin cells. If there is an excess of iron in the body, it can lead to iron toxicity and can cause damage to the liver, heart, and other organs.
Administration: 
IV administration
ferric gluconate is administered intravenously (IV) in a healthcare setting by a healthcare professional. The dose and frequency of administration is determined by a healthcare provider based on individual needs. Before administration, the healthcare professional will verify the patient’s identity, the type and dose of medication being administered, and any allergies or adverse reactions to medications.
ferric gluconate is usually given over a period of 15-30 minutes. During the administration, the healthcare professional will monitor the patient’s vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing, and any adverse reactions. After administration, the healthcare professional will document the administration in the patient’s medical record.
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: ferric gluconate
Why do we use ferric gluconate?
ferric gluconate is used to treat iron-deficiency anemia, which is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells due to a lack of iron. Ferric gluconate is an iron supplement that provides the body with the iron it needs to produce red blood cells and transport oxygen to the body’s tissues.
Both our subscription plans include Free CME/CPD AMA PRA Category 1 credits.
On course completion, you will receive a full-sized presentation quality digital certificate.
A dynamic medical simulation platform designed to train healthcare professionals and students to effectively run code situations through an immersive hands-on experience in a live, interactive 3D environment.
When you have your licenses, certificates and CMEs in one place, it's easier to track your career growth. You can easily share these with hospitals as well, using your medtigo app.
