ORAL iron
Ascorbic acid favours absorption.
Absorption is better if medicinal iron is supplemented with breast milk or between meals; however, given with or soon after food may reduce gastrointestinal side effects.17
Not suitable for jejunal administration as enteral absorption occurs in duodenum and upper jejunum.
Iron absorption from fortified milk is intact despite its high calcium content.
IV iron
Oral iron is not to be administered concomitantly with IV iron preparations as the absorption of oral iron is reduced. Oral iron therapy should not commence until at least one week after the last iron injection.
Concomitant administration of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may increase the incidence of adverse effects associated with parental iron preparations e.g. erythema, abdominal cramps, vomiting and hypotension.
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