Antianemics

(From Path book and lecture, 2 Feb 2001, by  Brian Buschman)

 

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Iron Salts

Oral iron salts are administered in the ferrous form usually as ferrous sulfate.  May women need to take iron supplements but they do not like it because it causes GI upset.

With OD (usually seen accidentally in young children) iron toxicity can result which is characterized by pain, bloody diarrhea, bloody vomit and metabolic acidosis.  It is treated with IV administration of detroxamine which is an iron chelator.

Vit B₁₂

Vitamin B₁₂ is administered as cyanocobalamin.  It is usually only needed with long term stomach problems because the body stores a 5 year supply.  If megaloblastic anemia is found and vit. B₁₂ treatment is indicated it will probably be required for the rest of the patients life.  If something messes up the stomach for 5 years it will probably mess it up for good.

Folic Acid

Folic acid is given for megaloblastic anemia or parentally in pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects.

Hematopoietic Growth Factors

Erythropoietin (EPO) is used to stimulate erythropoiesis.  It’s adverse affects are those related to increased Hct and blood viscosity.

Filgrastim stimulates neutrophil colonies.