What is Ferric citrate?
This iron-based citrate helps reduce the amount of phosphates your body absorbs. This can reduce the amount of phosphorus in your blood. Ferric citrate can be used to reduce phosphorus in adults who have chronic renal disease and are on dialysis. Ferric citrate can also be used to treat anemia among adults who have chronic kidney disease but are not on dialysis. Ferric citrate can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Ferric citrate
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Side effects from ferric citrate can be serious. If you experience:
-
Severe stomach problems (pain, vomiting, diarrhea);
-
High potassium: nausea, tingling feeling, chest pains, irregular heartbeats, and loss of mobility.
Side effects of ferric citrate include:
-
Diarrhea, constipation;
-
Darker color in your bowel movement;
-
Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain;
-
cough.
There may be other side effects.Need medical advice regarding side effects? For guidance from your provider.The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
ferrous sulfate, урсам, carafate, sevelamer, FeroSul, Venofer, and Renvela
Warnings
Keep iron citrate away from children. A child's accidental overdose on ferric citrate can be fatal.
Before you take this drug
Ferric citrate should not be used if:
-
Iron overload disorder, hemochromatosis.
Please notify your physician if any of the following issues arise:
-
Liver disease
-
A stomach or intestinal disorder.
-
Stomach bleeding;
-
Surgery for the stomach or intestine.
Unknown is whether this medication will harm an unborn child. A miscarriage or birth defect can be caused by an iron overdose.If you intend on becoming pregnant, inform your physician. You may not be able to breastfeed your baby while taking this medication. You should ask your doctor if there are any risks. Your dosage needs may differ during pregnancy or nursing.Use of this medication by those under 18 is not advised.
How to take Ferric citrate?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as it is prescribed.
Ferric citrate is best taken with food. Avoid crushing or chewing a ferric-citrate tablet. The pill can discolor your mouth or teeth. Ferric citrate is iron. Iron is absorbed by the body and stored in your body when you take ferric citrate. You will need to have frequent blood tests done in order to ensure that your body does not store too much iron. It is possible that you will need to adhere to a special diet when using ferric citrate. You should follow the instructions given by your doctor or dietitian. Learn what foods to eat and avoid to manage your condition effectively, storing at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle out of reach of children and tightly closed. Accidental iron poisoning is the leading cause of death among children under the age of 6.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for hyperphosphatemia and renal failure:
Ferric iron, 210 mg per tablet, is equivalent to ferric citrate, 1 g.
Initial dose: Orally, take 2 tablets 3 times per day.
Adjust the dose in increments or decreases of 1 to 2 tablets per day per week or longer intervals to maintain serum phosphorous levels at target levels.
Average dose: 8–9 tablets per day.
Maximum dose: 12 tablets per day.
Comments:
Monitor serum phosphorous levels and adjust dosage accordingly.
Tablets should never be crushed or chewed, as this can cause teeth and mouth discoloration.
Use: Control serum phosphorous in patients with chronic renal disease on dialysis.
Adult dosage for anemia associated with chronic renal failure:
Ferric iron, 210 mg per tablet, is equivalent to ferric citrate, 1 g.
Initial dose: Take 1 tablet 3 times daily with meals.
Adjust the dose as necessary to maintain and achieve target hemoglobin levels.
Average dose: 5 tablets per day.
Maximum dose: 12 tablets per day.
Comments:
Tablets should never be crushed or chewed, as this can cause teeth and mouth discoloration.
Use iron deficiency treatment for anemia among patients with chronic renal disease who are not on dialysis.
Adult dose for iron deficiency anemia:
Ferric iron, 210 mg per tablet, is equivalent to ferric citrate, 1.0 g.
Initial dose: Take 1 tablet 3 times daily with meals.
Adjust the dose as necessary to maintain and achieve target hemoglobin levels.
Average dose: 5 tablets per day.
Maximum dose: 12 tablets per day.
Comments:
Tablets should never be crushed or chewed, as this can cause teeth and mouth discoloration.
Use: Treatment for iron deficiency in patients without dialysis who have chronic kidney disease.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip any missed medication altogether and wait. Doing otherwise would result in taking two of the same medicine simultaneously and could put your health in jeopardy.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line immediately on 1-800-222-1222, or seek emergency medical treatment, should any child unknowingly consume ferric citrate. An iron overdose could prove deadly.
What should be avoided?
If you are taking iron citrate, do not take any vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron unless you have been told to by your doctor. Ferric citrate should not be taken with other medications.
Interaction with other drug
Take ferric citrate separately if you are taking any of the following medications:
-
Take ferric citrate 1 hour prior to taking doxycycline, an anti-biotic.
-
Take an antibiotic called ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours prior to or 2 hours following the ferric citrate.
Ferric citrate can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal supplements. Inform your physician of all medications you are currently taking as well as those you are beginning or discontinuing use of.
