Question

Iron What age group can this drug be prescribed to? What is the purpose of the drug? What are the risks and benefits? What concerns may you have in prescribing this medication to a child? What education does the child’s parents need?

Answer 1

Iron supplementation is highly required in case of children of age groups 6- 24 months of age and pregnant women as in this case anemia is very prevalent. But it may be supplemented to other aged people also.

Benefits: Iron is required to form the hemoglobin the essential component of the blood for the gaseous exchange in the body. Further it is required to make RBCs. Iron is required for the immune system also.

The iron supplementation of varies from 60-120 mg/day in case of the pregnant women.

Risks: The overdose of iron may cause the fatal poisoning in children under the age of 6.

It may cause diarrhea at higher dose.

Avoid the use of antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, tetracycline and norfloxacin 2 hours before and after taking iron supplements.

In case of the child do not give iron supplementation without the concern of the doctor. It should be prescribed after complete physical assessment.

For the child:

• 1 -3 years: 7 mg/day
• 4 -8 years: 10 mg/day

of iron is recommended.

For the parents it is advised to give kid source of vitamin C, like orange juice or strawberries, with the iron, to enhance its absorption

If any problem persists immediately report and then consult with the doctors.