Microplastics and Misinformation: What Science Really Says
November 12, 2025
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Brand Name :
Venofer
Synonyms :
iron sucrose
Class :
Iron Products
Brand Name :
Venofer
Synonyms :
iron sucrose
Class :
Iron Products
Dosage Forms & Strengths Â
Injectable solution Â
20mg (Fe)/mL Â
Anemia Due To Chronic Kidney DiseaseÂ
Non dialysis dependent CKD: 200 mg IV 5 doses in 14 days 
Hemodialysis dependent CKD: 100 mg elemental Fe IV per dialysis session  
Do not exceed 1000 mg divided in 3 times/week 
Peritoneal dialysis dependent CKD: 300 mg IV 2 doses 14 days apart, following 400 mg IV infusion 14 days later 
Dosage Forms & Strengths Â
Injectable solution Â
20mg (Fe)/mL Â
Anemia Due To Chronic Kidney DiseaseÂ
Hemodialysis-dependent: 0.5 mg/kg IV 6 times for 12 weeks 
Do not exceed 100 mg/dose 
Non-dialysis dependent or peritoneal-dependent: 0.5 mg/kg IV 3 times for 12 weeks 
Refer adult dosingÂ
may diminish the absorption when combined with phosphate supplements
may diminish the absorption when combined with phosphate supplements
may diminish the absorption when combined with phosphate supplements
may diminish the absorption when combined with phosphate supplements
may diminish the absorption when combined with phosphate supplements
may diminish the serum concentration of quinolones
methyldopa/hydrochlorothiazideÂ
may diminish the serum concentration of methyldopa
may diminish the serum concentration of Antacids
ciprofloxacin inhaled (Pending FDA approval)Â
may diminish the serum concentration of Quinolones
may diminish the absorption when combined with alpha-lipoic acid
may diminish the absorption when combined with iron preparations
may diminish concentration of serum when combined with bictegravir
may diminish concentration of serum when combined with cefdinir
may diminish concentration of serum when combined with entacapone
may diminish concentration of serum when combined with levothyroxine
may diminish concentration of serum when combined with methyldopa
bismuth subcitrate, metronidazole and tetracycline
may diminish the absorption when combined with iron preparations
may diminish the absorption when combined with iron preparations
may diminish the absorption when combined with iron preparations
may diminish the absorption when combined with iron preparations
may diminish the absorption when combined with iron preparations
may diminish concentration of serum when combined with levodopa
polyethylene glycol and electrolytesÂ
may diminish the absorption when combined with iron preparation
iron sucrose inhibits the GI absorption of demeclocycline (provide 2 hours difference between both drugs)
iron sucrose inhibits the GI absorption of doxycycline (provide 2 hours difference between both drugs)
may increase the nephrotoxic effect of iron preparations
may decrease the rate of absorption
bismuth subcitrate, metronidazole and tetracycline
may decrease the rate of absorption
may decrease the rate of absorption
may decrease the rate of absorption
may decrease the rate of absorption
may decrease the rate of absorption
may decrease the rate of absorption
may decrease the rate of absorption
may decrease the rate of absorption
may decrease the levels of serum concentration
may decrease the levels of serum concentration
may decrease the levels of serum concentration
may decrease the levels of serum concentration
may decrease the levels of serum concentration
may decrease the levels of serum concentration
may decrease the levels of serum concentration
It may diminish the effect when combined with manganese by inhibiting the gastrointestinal absorption
may decrease the effects of the drug by GI absorption inhibition
may decrease the absorption of iron preparations
may decrease the absorption of iron preparations
may decrease the absorption of iron preparations
may decrease the absorption of iron preparations
may decrease the absorption of iron preparations
may diminish the serum concentration of each other when combined
may increase the risk of adverse/toxic effects
may increase the risk of adverse/toxic effects
may increase the risk of adverse/toxic effects
may increase the risk of adverse/toxic effects
may increase the risk of adverse/toxic effects
sodium ferric gluconate complexÂ
sodium ferric gluconate, when administered with drugs containing iron, can cause a reduction in absorption of iron, leading to potential effects due to iron
Actions and Spectrum:Â
Actions of iron sucrose:Â
Spectrum of iron sucrose:Â
Frequency Defined Â
>10% Â
Muscle cramps (23%) Â
Nausea Â
Hypotension (36%) Â
Headache Â
1-10%  Â
Arthralgia Â
Fatigue Â
Back pain Â
Dizziness Â
Fluid overload Â
Hypertension Â
Peripheral edema Â
Vomiting Â
Cough Â
Diarrhea Â
Pruritus Â
Constipation Â
Frequency Not Defined Â
Anaphylactic-type reactions Â
Iron overload Â
Potentially fatal anaphylaxis (rare)
Black Box Warning:Â
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Black Box Warning for iron sucrose due to the risk of potentially fatal anaphylactic reactions.Â
Contraindication/Caution:Â
iron sucrose should not be given to patients with a known hypersensitivity to iron sucrose or any of its ingredients. It should also be avoided in patients with iron overload or hemochromatosis, as it may exacerbate their condition. Caution should be exercised in patients with a history of severe allergies or asthma, as they may be at higher risk for an allergic reaction to iron sucrose.
In addition, iron sucrose should not be administered to patients with anemia not related to iron deficiency, as it may not be effective in treating their condition. Patients with a history of liver disease or other conditions that affect iron metabolism should be monitored closely while receiving iron sucrose. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should only receive iron sucrose if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Pregnancy warnings:    Â
Pregnancy category:Â Â
AU TGA pregnancy category: B3
US FDA pregnancy category: BÂ
Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknownÂ
Pregnancy Categories:        Â
Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester.Â
Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.  Â
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.   Â
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.  Â
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.   Â
Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category
Pharmacology: Â
iron sucrose is a type of iron supplement used to treat iron deficiency anaemia. It is administered intravenously and works by providing the body with the necessary iron to produce haemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.Â
Pharmacodynamics:Â
The pharmacology of iron sucrose involves several processes. Once administered intravenously, iron sucrose enters the bloodstream and binds to transferrin, a protein that transports iron throughout the body. iron sucrose is then transported to the bone marrow, where it is used to produce red blood cells.Â
Pharmacokinetics:Â
Absorption Â
Since iron sucrose is administered intravenously, absorption is not applicable. Â
Distribution Â
After administration, iron sucrose is rapidly distributed to the reticuloendothelial system, where it is taken up by macrophages and stored in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Â
Metabolism Â
iron sucrose is metabolized to iron and sucrose, which are further metabolized by the body’s natural processes. Â
Elimination and Excretion Â
iron sucrose is excreted mainly through the feces and to a lesser extent through the urine.
Administration: Â
iron sucrose is administered intravenously as an iron supplement to treat iron deficiency anemia. The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the severity of the anemia and the patient’s response to the treatment. The usual dosage for iron sucrose is 100-200 mg per week for 4-6 weeks, followed by maintenance therapy at a lower dose. Â
The drug is injected slowly over 2-5 minutes to avoid adverse reactions such as hypotension, flushing, and dizziness. The patient’s vital signs should be monitored during and after the administration of iron sucrose. The drug should be used with caution in patients with a history of allergic reactions to iron or other parenteral iron preparations.
Patient information leafletÂ
Generic Name: iron sucroseÂ
Why do we use iron sucrose?Â
iron sucrose is used to treat iron deficiency anemia in patients who cannot tolerate oral iron supplements or when oral iron is ineffective. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
iron sucrose provides iron to the body, which is necessary to produce hemoglobin and other enzymes. Iron sucrose is preferred over other intravenous iron supplements because it has a lower risk of causing anaphylactic reactions and can be administered more quickly. It is commonly used in patients with chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and other conditions that cause chronic anemia.Â
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