Side effects of oral iron treatment
Side effects are the main reasons why there is poor compliance.
- taking the dose after meals may reduce the side effects
- gastrointestinal side effects are not dose related
- modified release preparations should be avoided since iron is often released after passing the small bowel absorption site (1).
Common side effects associated with oral iron therapy include:
- nausea
- abdominal discomfort
- vomiting
- constipation or diarrhoea
- turn faeces black
- with parenteral injections
- iv injections of iron should not be given to patients with a history of asthma - allergic reactions can occur; these may occur, though less readily, with im iron injections
- thrombophlebitis
- metallic taste in the mouth
- hypotension
- bradycardia
- arthralgia
- myalgia
- lymph node enlargement
Reference:
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