Polysaccharide-Iron Complex
Key points
- POLYSACCHARIDE-IRON COMPLEX (Hytinic™, Niferex®, Nu-Iron® and others) is a liquid iron supplement.
- Use a special dropper or spoon to measure your medicine.
- However, if it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose.
- If you are taking this iron product, you should not take iron in any other medicine or dietary supplement.
Polysaccharide-Iron Complex oral elixir
What is polysaccharide-iron complex oral elixir? POLYSACCHARIDE-IRON COMPLEX (Hytinic™, Niferex®, Nu-Iron® and others) is a liquid iron supplement. Iron is a mineral needed by your body to make new red blood cells. Iron also helps red blood cells function. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all of your body tissues. There are many different kinds of iron supplements. However, extra iron should only be taken under the advice of a health care professional. Adults or kids with anemia due to low iron levels or a low red blood cell count may be prescribed iron. Pregnant women in their last 3-6 months of pregnancy may need to take extra iron, but should only take iron if their doctor tells them to.
Do not treat yourself with iron if you are feeling tired or fatigued. Most healthy people get adequate iron in their diets, particularly if they regularly eat fortified cereals, meat, poultry, and fish. Generic polysaccharide iron complex elixirs are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take polysaccharide-iron complex?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- an alcohol problem
- blood transfusions
- bowel disease
- hemolytic anemia
- iron overload (hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis)
- liver disease
- stomach ulcers
- an unusual or allergic reaction to iron, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take the elixir by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a special dropper or spoon to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not always accurate. Swallow solution with a glass of water or fruit juice. You may mix the iron elixir in the glass of water or fruit juice and drink the liquid through a straw to decrease contact of the fluid with the teeth. It is best to take iron on an empty stomach. Take at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. If the iron causes your stomach to be upset, you may take it with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take iron more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Never give iron to a child or infant unless directed by a doctor to do so.
What if I miss a dose?
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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