Iron
What is iron?
Iron is a mineral that our bodies need for growth and development. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. Iron is also important for healthy muscles, bone marrow, and organ function. Your body also needs iron to make some hormones.
How do you get iron?Iron is found naturally in many foods and is added to some fortified food products. Foods that are high in iron include:
- Lean meat, seafood, and poultry
- Iron-fortified breakfast cereals and breads
- White beans, lentils, spinach, kidney beans, and peas
- Nuts and some dried fruits, such as raisins
Iron is available in supplements, either on its own or as part of many multivitamin/mineral supplements.
What causes low iron?Most people in the United States get enough iron. The amount that you need each day depends on your age, your sex, and whether you consume a mostly plant-based diet.
Sometimes people can have trouble getting enough iron. There can be many causes, including blood loss, a poor diet, or a problem absorbing enough iron from foods. Those who are more likely to have low iron include people who:
- Have heavy periods
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are infants (especially if they were born premature or low birth weight)
- Are frequent blood donors
- Have cancer, certain digestive diseases, or heart failure
- Are on kidney dialysis
- Have trouble absorbing iron because they:
- Have a digestive condition such as celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or Helicobacter pylori infection
- Had weight loss surgery
If you have too little iron, you may develop iron-deficiency anemia. It may not cause symptoms at first, but over time, it can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and trouble with memory and concentration. Treatment for low iron and iron-deficiency anemia is usually with iron supplements.
What happens if you get too much iron?Too much iron can damage your body. For example, if you are healthy and take too many iron supplements, you may have symptoms such as constipation, nausea and vomiting, abdominal (belly) pain, and diarrhea. Higher iron levels can cause ulcers. Extremely high levels can lead to organ damage, coma, and death.
A disease called hemochromatosis can cause too much iron to build up in the body. Hemochromatosis is inherited (passed down through families). It is usually treated by removing blood (and iron) from your body on a regular basis.
National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements
Iron FDA Approved Drugs
- Testosterone replacement therapy in males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone.
- A method of increasing the testosterone blood level of a person in need thereof.
- A method of increasing the testosterone blood level of an adult male subject in need thereof.
- A method of transdermal administration of a physiologically active agent to a subject..
- A method of transdermally delivering testosterone.
- Testosterone replacement therapy in males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone.
Amneal Pharms CoMay 24, 2017
Dr Reddys Labs LtdFeb 27, 2009
Heritage PharmaSep 18, 2015
Impax Labs IncMar 28, 2001
MylanMar 1, 2002
Orion Corp OrionDec 16, 2015
Strides PharmaAug 25, 2014
TevaFeb 28, 2002
Zydus Pharms Usa IncFeb 7, 2014
Oxford PharmsDec 17, 2007
- Method of treating chronic iron overload.
- Method of treating patients needing an iron supplement.
- Method of treating chronic iron overload.
- Testosterone replacement therapy in males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone.
- Method of treatment of iron-related conditions with at least 0.6 grams of elemental iron via an iron carbohydrate complex, with a substantially non-immunogenic carbohydrate component, in about 15 minutes or less..
- Method of treatment of iron-related conditions with at least 0.6 grams of elemental iron via an iron carbohydrate complex.
- Method of treating chronic iron overload.
- A method of testosterone replacement therapy comprising the step of nasally administering to a patient in need of such treatment an effective amount of testosterone gel formulation..
- Nasal administration of a testosterone gel to a patient to treat the patient for a condition associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone.
Actavis ElizabethJul 29, 1999
Amneal PharmsJul 2, 2010
Jubilant GenericsApr 23, 2014
MylanAug 20, 2001
Orion Corp OrionMar 6, 2014
Sun Pharm IndsAug 11, 1999
VintageAug 29, 2006
SandozApproved Prior To Jan 1, 1982
Sun Pharm IndsJul 2, 1987
- Method of delivering an active ingredient using a progressive hydration bioadhesive.
- Method for administration of testosterone.
Perrigo Uk FincoJul 12, 2017
Actavis Labs Ut IncAug 5, 2015
Ani Pharms IncFeb 14, 2012
Par PharmMay 23, 2007
Home Remedies for Iron
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Mechanism - ultrasonic aroma essential oil diffuserGuydeMaupassant | July 15th, 2018
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Felter's Materia Medica on Iron
   ...ll with soap or an alkaline carbonate, or with hyoscyamus, belladonna, or carminatives. Sulphate of iron slightly restrains its action and ipecac increases it. Applied to a denuded surface it operates...... with the addition of capsicum. One of the best of these is the Lapactic pill. When sulphate of iron is indicated in chlorosis and anemia, aloes is generally combined with it. It has the effect of......ined with it. It has the effect of restraining the constipating action of the chalybeate. Aloes and iron are both very useful in delicate women who are subject to amenorrhoea or menorrhagia, with pelv...1
   The outer rind of the ripe, fresh fruit of Citrus Aurantium. sinensis, Gallesio (Nat. Ord. Rutaceae) Common Names: Sweet Orange Peel (of Sweet... / ...nd tonic. Used almost wholly as a flavoring agent. It makes an elegant addition to acid solution of iron dispensed in syrup. It is also an agreeable addition to the bitter infusions, as of quassia or ...1
   ... effective, and in long standing irritation of the viscus, particularly in old persons, buchu and iron once a popular fad, is really of service. Rx Specific Medicine Barosma, 3 1/2 fluidounces; Ti......fad, is really of service. Rx Specific Medicine Barosma, 3 1/2 fluidounces; Tincture of Chloride of Iron, 1/2 fluidounce. Mix. Sig.: One teaspoonful 4 times a day in a wineglassful of infusion of hops...1
   The root of Jateorhiza palmata (Lamarck), Miers (Nat. Ord. Menispermaceae). A climbing perennial, the Kalumb of the Southeast coast of Africa.... / ... When given, the small doses are preferable to large ones; and on account of the absence of tannin, iron salts may be given with calumba, if so desired. In some respects calumba resembles hydrastis in...1
   The dried flowering tops of the female plant of Cannabis sativa, Linné, or the variety indica, Lamarck (Nat. Ord. Cannabinaceae). Asia, East... / ...of cannabis vary greatly with the temperament and the peculiarities of the patient, and with his environment. Almost invariably they are pleasurable. An emotional state of happiness even to ecstacy is... / ...of the urino-genital tract and relieves pain. For the first condition it is invaluable in more or less painful conditions in which opium see1
   The leaves of Castanea dentata (Marshall), Sudworth, collected in September or October while still green (Nat. Ord. Fagaceae). Native of Asia... / ...r, but not by alcohol; an astringent body, a sweet substance, and potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron salts. Preparations.-1. Infusum Castaneae, Infusion of Castanea. (Leaves, 1 ounce, Boiling Wate... / ...some good. The infusion (which is by far the best preparation) may be sweetened if desired, and given freely to the patient several times a day.1
   The dried rhizome and roots of Gentiana lutea, Linné (Nat. Ord. Gentianaceae.) Common in the mountainous regions of southern and central Europe.... / ...ntisic acid or gentisin (C14H10O5). No tannin is present but a coloring matter which is darkened by iron compounds. Preparations,1. Infusum Gentianae, Infusion of Gentian. Dose, 1 fluidrachm to 1 fl... / ...gastritis and intestinal catarrh. The infusion and the compound tincture of gentian may be used alone or as vehicles for other medicines.1
   The gum-resin obtained from one or more varieties of Commiphora (Nat. Ord. Burseraceae). Region of Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, Africa, and... / ...tation as such has been acquired in anemic states in which it has been administered conjointly with iron and aloes. It is used in diseases of women when there is weight and dragging in the pelvis and ... / ...Ferri Composita) for the amenorrhea of chlorosis and other forms of anemia; and of the Compound Pills of Rhubarb (Pilulae Rhei Compositae).1
   The wood of Picrasma excelsa (Swartz), Planchon (Nat. Ord. Simarubaceae). A tall tree of Jamaica and neighboring islands. Dose, 10 to 30 grains. Common Names: Quassia, Quassia Wood, Bitter... / ...ectal injections of it have caused collapse in a child. Having no tannin, quassia may be given with iron, if desired.1
   The dried bark of the root of Viburnum prunifolium, Linné. The U.S.P. admits the dried bark of this and also of the Viburnum Lentago, Linné, or... / ...ic acid, citrates, malates, oxalates, sulphates, and chlorides of calcium, magnesium potassium, and iron. Preparations.1. Specific Medicine Black Haw. Dose, 5 to 60 drops. 2. Black Haw Cordial (Howe...1
Physician's Materia Medica on Iron
   The entire plant, SWERTIA CHIRAYITA (Roxb.) Lyons. Bitter tonic, resembling Gentian. May be prescribed with the salts of iron.2
   The root of JATEORHIZA PALMATA, (Lam.) Miers. A mild bit ter tonic, generally acceptable to the stomach. Especially useful where the stomach is in an irritable condition. Not incompatible with salts of Iron.2
   A hematinic tonic, which combines the characters of a predigested nitrogenous food with those of a blood renewing agent. The pre paration is somewhat richer in iron than Haemo-mangan (q. v.), which preparation this resembles in composition and properties, Dose, 4 to 15 c. c. (1 to 4 fluidrachms) after each meal.2
   A ferruginous tonic, each fluidrachm containing; Iron Citro peptonate, 1% grs.; ManganeseCitropeptonate, 1/4 gr. The preparation resembles dialysed iron in its freedom from astringency and acidity, but it has the advantage over that preparation in the fact that the iron is presented in the form of an organic compound which is readily assimilable. Clinical experience declares it a most eflicient agent in all conditions in which a blood-euriching tonic is indicated. Dose, 4 c. c. (1 fluidrachm) a2
   Alkaloid found in many mydriatic drugs; closely related to Atropine and isomeric with that alkaloid. Dose, 0.0003 to’ 0.0015 (1-200 to 1-40 gr.). b. iron Hypophosphite (Ferrous or Ferric). Hematic tonic as well as nerve food. Dose, 0.03 to 0.30 Grm. (1/2 to 5 grs.).2
   Compounds of iron taken internally increase hemoglobin and red corpuscles in the blood. Ferric compounds have also great astringency and are used topically as styptics. a. iron Albumlnate (Ferric). A compound of iron that is be lieved to be more easily assimilated than the inorganic salts. b. iron Arsenate. See under Arsenic. c. iron Bromide (Ferrous). Has an alterative and to some extent a sedative action, in addition to that of an energetic hematinic tonic. Dose, 0.06 to 0.30 Grm. (1 to 5 grs.2
   The compounds of MANGANEsE are often given in conjunction with those of iron as hematinic tonics. Some of them are reported to have a specific action as emmenagogues. a. Manganese Bromide. Dose. 0.06 to 0.30 Grm. (1 to 5 grs.). For formula see under Gold Bromide. b. Manganese Carbonate. Hematinic tonic, emmena gogue. Dose, 0.06 to 0.20 Grm. (1 to 3 grs.). c. Manganese Dioxide. Hematinic tonic, emmenagogue, alterative. Used in chlorosis, amenorrhea and in some forms of gastralgia. Dose, 0.06 to 02
   Gum-resin obtained from COMMIPHORA MYRRHA, (Nees) Engler. Stimulating tonic, expectorant, emmenagogue; frequently combined with Aloes and Iron in amenorrhea; topically applied in dilute solu tion to spongy gums, aphthous ulcerations of the mouth, etc.2
   The seeds of SrnYCrmos NUX-VOMICA. Lin. A tetanizing pois on; a powerful stimulant to spinal nerve centers. Prescribed often with laxatives in chronic constipation to stimulate peristaltic action; more used than any other tonic in nervous debility, associated often with iron and quinine. The active principle, Strychnine, q. v., is largely used in preference to preparations of the crude drug.2
   Calcium Phosphate plays an important part in the animal econ omy in supplying the principal part of the solid framework of the body. Hence phosphates constitute an essential part of our food. In some diseased conditions the system fails to assimilate from the ordi nary food suflicient of these compounds to supply the daily waste, and in these conditions the deficiency must be made up by the use of chemicalfonds consisting of combinations of the phosphates of cal. cium, sodium, potassium and iron2
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on Iron
   Ascertain whether... / ...itutional disease or disordered dhrestion is present and modify treatment accordingly. Arsenic is generally indicated. especially in combination with iron. For constipation. if present, Compound Liquorice Powder, prelerably in lozenges, or Fluid Cascara Aromatic, N., B. & Co. Locally, lotions contai...2
   When due to anemia and debility, combinations of aloes with iron, In an otherwise healthy subject, apiol or the essential oil of penny. royal... / When due to anemia and debility, combinations of aloes with iron, In an otherwise healthy subject, apiol or the essential oil of penny. royal or of rue, savine or tansy; black cohosh; manganese dioxide (or pota...2
   ...ly digested food with remedies for promoting digestion and overcoming a tendency to constipation may often ac complish more than hematinics. Of these iron (as reduced iron or ferrous carbonate) is most often prescribed, but in many cachectic conditions is inferior to arsenic or mercury (in minute do...... doses). Among the most eflicient preparations are Solution Gold and Arsenic Bro mide, N., B. & Co., Haemo-Mangan with Arsenic, and formulas in which iron is combined with manganese, or with arsenic.2
   When accessible, treat by pressure and other surgical procedures. Rest in bed and freedom from excitement are essential in any case. The diet must be simple and not... / ...croton chloral; chlorodyne. To favor formation of clots, gallic acid, calcium chloride, subcutaneous injections of steril ized gelatin solution or of iron salts.2
   When threatened, harden skin by frequent use of astringent lotions, lead water, tannin dissolved in dilute alcohol, 2 grs. to fl. oz.; whiskey and salt (2 drachms to pint); Antiseptine diluted with wa ter or whiskey. When ulcers have formal, protect with soap plaster and use antiseptics. especially Iodosyl ointment. Sustain patient’s strength with nourishing and predigested food. Iron in form of the tincture is generally of service.2
   Treatment varies with cause. Hematinic tonics are generally indicated. Eupeptic H ypop hosphites, Haemo-mangan with Arsenic, Elixir Iron, Quinine and Strychnine, Vitalic Hypophosphites, may be particularized. For remedies in sexual debility see Aphrodisiacs, but in most cases general roborant measures with moderation in sexual indul gence are all that is required.2
   If dependent on vaso-motor relaxation, ergot, extract suprarenal glands; astringents, particularly gallic acid and rhus aromatica. If due to nervous irritability, belladonna, nervines, bromides. Tonics are generally indicated, particularly iron and strychnine.2
   Exclude sugar and starch as far as possible from the diet, but do not starve the patient. The remedies most likely to be useful are;... / ...rs. three times a day), uranium nitrate (2 grs. increased gradually to 10 or more, after each meal). Tonics must be prescribed as indicated, arsenic, iron, g1ycerophos phates and strychnine being particularly useful.2
   Treat the indigestion causing the pain on general principles (see Indigestion). For immediate relief of pain, antacids if necessary, anodynes (codeine, chloroform, chlorodyne, hydrocyanic acid, camph orated tincture opium, cocaine, fl. ext. life everlasting), counter-irri tation; in hysterical subjects, valerianates. As tonics especially combinations of arsenic with iron.2
   In organic diseases of the heart. remedies must be adapted to symptoms presented. Digitalis and similar agents are to be used when... / ...ped by severe exercise that has been dis continued. Where palpitation arises from debility, general tonics are indicated, particularly nux vomica and iron. In cardiac failure, use diffusible stimulants, ammonia, ether and alcohol.2
   Theremedies of real value are general tonics, particularly nux vomica, phosphorus and iron. Mere sexual stimulants do harm rather than good.2
   In a rheumatic patient, salicylic acid, salicin, aspirin, potassium iodide are remedies likely to be of service. Liniments containing aconite, chloroform and belladonna; counter-irritation by capsicum or otherwise; acu-puncture; application of hot water bag or ironing with a hot flatiron are all approved remedies. Acetanilid, antipyrin or phenacetin may give relief.2
   For immediate relief, prescribe acetanilid, phenacetin or anti pyrin usually conjoined with... / ...electricity; hypodermatic injections of morphine and atropine (only when nothing else will serve). .In the general treatment, strychnine, arsenic and iron are the most generally useful remedies, but attention must always be given to the general condition of the patient, and laxatives, antimalarial r...2
   Useful remedies are combinations of strychnine, arsenic and iron; cannabis ind ica, zinc valerianate and gelsemium; glycerophosphates; sparteine, belladonna.2
   Cod Liver Oil and Alterativos constitute the medicinal treat ment, hygienic measurus being, however, all-important. In anemic eases, syrup iodide ofiron, Hamno-M;1ngan with Arsenic, N., B. & C0,; for enlarged glands, ointments of iodine, Iodosyl or ichthyol and internally iodine compounds, especially Creosotide, N., B. 8: Co.; if suppuration threatens, sulphurated lime.2
References
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.
