ferrous succinate

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Actions: 

An additional supply of elemental iron is ferrous succinate, which is necessary for red blood cell hemoglobin production. Iron makes up a considerable portion of hemoglobin, from where the oxygen reaches every tissue in the body via the lungs. Enough iron must be present for the body to produce functioning hemoglobin. 

Spectrum: 

Ferrous succinate is a form of iron supplement, and its primary role is to provide a source of elemental iron for the body, especially when dietary intake is insufficient or when there is a need for increased iron levels, such as in the case of iron deficiency anemia. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Metallic taste 

Constipation 

Nausea 

Abdominal cramps 

Diarrhea 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

 N/A 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications 

• Hypersensitivity 

Cautions 

• Renal impairment 
• IBD 
• Vitamin B12 deficiency 
• Malignant disease 
• Thyroid deficiency 
• Folic acid deficiency 
• Chronic inflammation 
• Hepatic impairment 
• Drug interactions 
• Pregnancy  
• Breastfeeding 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

No data is available regarding the administration of the drug during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

No data is available regarding the excretion of drug in breast milk. 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

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 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: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

The synthesis of haemoglobin requires iron. A microcytic, hypochromic anaemia can result from low haemoglobin production caused by an iron deficit. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

Iron deficiency anaemia is primarily prevented and treated with additional iron. There are potential immune-boosting, anticarcinogenic, and cognitive-enhancing effects of iron. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

The effectiveness of absorption relies on factors such as the salt form, administered quantity, dosing schedule, and existing iron reserves. Individuals with adequate iron stores typically absorb 10% to 35% of an iron dose, while those experiencing iron deficiency may absorb as much as 95% of the administered iron dose. 

Distribution 

Absorbable iron is carried by the blood and linked to transferrin. 

Metabolism 

In the body, iron undergoes very little metabolism. 

Elimination and Excretion 

The body doesn’t have a controlled system in place to actively eliminate extra iron. The body stores iron mostly in tissues, especially the liver. 

Iron’s half-life varies based on bodily iron status and individual physiology, among other things. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

The administration of ferrous succinate, like other iron supplements, typically involves taking the medication orally. To improve absorption, iron supplements are often taken empty-handed, ideally an hour before or two after meals. However, if the iron causes stomach upset, it may be taken with food.

Vitamin C can also enhance iron absorption, so taking the supplement with a source of vitamin C may be recommended. It’s important to take ferrous succinate consistently as prescribed by the healthcare provider. Missing doses or inconsistent use may impact the effectiveness of the treatment. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: ferrous succinate 

Pronounced: Fer-uss SUCK-sin-ate 

Why do we use ferrous succinate? 

Ferrous succinate serves as an iron supplement utilized in preventing and treating iron deficiency anemia. This condition arises from an insufficient iron supply in the body, resulting in a decline in hemoglobin production and, consequently, a diminished ability of the blood to transport oxygen.