Ascofer
Ascofer Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Ferrous ascorbate, a synthetic molecule of ascorbic acid and iron.
Ascofer when administered is converted to ferric form and immediately is reduced to the ferrous form into the stomach. This reduced ferrous form is then transferred to the duodenum where it is highly absorbed. Ascofer has the advantage of providing both ferrous ion and ascorbate in the same compound. There is no dissociation on entering GI Tract due to the stable chelate of iron with ascorbate. Folic Acid itself is biochemically inactive, is converted to tetrahydrofolic acid and methyltetrahydrofolate by dihydrofolate reductase in liver. These folic acid congeners are transported across cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis where they are needed to maintain numerous body functions.
The major activity of supplemental iron is in the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anemia. Iron has putative immune-enhancing, anticarcinogenic and cognition-enhancing activities.
| Trade Name | Ascofer |
| Generic | Ferrous Ascorbate |
| Ferrous Ascorbate Other Names | Ferrous cevitamate, Iron(2+) L-ascorbate |
| Weight | 33mg |
| Type | Tablet |
| Formula | C12H14FeO12 |
| Weight | Average: 406.077 Monoisotopic: 405.983462 |
| Groups | Approved |
| Therapeutic Class | Oral Iron preparations |
| Manufacturer | Ibn-Sina Pharmaceuticals Ltd |
| Available Country | Bangladesh |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Indicated in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.
How Ascofer works
Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin. Iron-deficiency can lead to decreased production of hemoglobin and a microcytic, hypochromic anemia.
Dosage
Ascofer dosage
Adult & Elderly: One tablet (33 mg) a day before or after meal (food independent absorption) or as directed by the physician. In more severe cases, two tablets a day may be required as prescribed by the physician. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Side Effects
The treatment of a neurotic patient was interrupted because of nausea and regurgitation. In pregnant women, the incidence of pyrosis and chronic constipation is slightly increased.
Toxicity
Acute iron overdosage can be divided into four stages. In the first stage, which occurs up to six hours after ingestion, the principal symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea. Other symptoms include hypotension, tachycardia and CNS depression ranging from lethargy to coma. The second phase may occur at 6-24 hours after ingestion and is characterized by a temporary remission. In the third phase, gastrointestinal symptoms recur accompanied by shock, metabolic acidosis, coma, hepatic necrosis and jaundice, hypoglycemia, renal failure and pulmonary edema. The fourth phase may occur several weeks after ingestion and is characterized by gastrointestinal obstruction and liver damage. In a young child, 75 milligrams per kilogram is considered extremely dangerous. A dose of 30 milligrams per kilogram can lead to symptoms of toxicity. Estimates of a lethal dosage range from 180 milligrams per kilogram and upwards. A peak serum iron concentration of five micrograms or more per ml is associated with moderate to severe poisoning in many.
Precaution
Oral iron preparations may aggravate existing peptic ulcer, regional enteritis and ulcerative colitis. Iron compounds taken orally can impair the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics. Antacids given concomitantly with iron compounds decrease iron absorption.
Elimination Route
The efficiency of absorption depends on the salt form, the amount administered, the dosing regimen and the size of iron stores. Subjects with normal iron stores absorb 10% to 35% of an iron dose. Those who are iron deficient may absorb up to 95% of an iron dose.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Pregnancy Category- Not Classified. FDA has not yet classified the drug into a specified pregnancy category.
Contraindication
Hemosiderosis, hemochromatosis, hemolytic anemia.
Acute Overdose
Iron poisoning is rare in adults.
Storage Condition
Keep in a cool and dry place. Protect from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Ascofer
FAQ
What is Ascofer used for?
Ascofer is used to treat iron deficiencies in the body. It dissolves well in water to give mildly acidic solutions. It is a mild reducing agent.
How does Ascofer work?
Ascofer works by replenishing the iron stores in your body and corrects iron deficiency anemia.
What are the common side effects of Ascofer?
Common side effects of Ascofer are include:
- Metallic taste.
- Black or tarry stools.
- Constipation.
- Heart Burn.
- Nausea and Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Upset stomach.
Is Ascofer safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Ascofer is safe during pregnancy if used under the supervision of a health care professional. Consuming the recommended dosage of Ascofer during pregnancy improves iron utilization and satisfies the increased demand for iron in a pregnant woman's body.
Is Ascofer safe during breastfeeding?
Ascofer are likely safe in lactating mothers, in recommended doses.
Can I drink alcohol with Ascofer?
Avoid consumption of alcohol with Ascofer as it may decrease the absorption of Ascofer.
When should I take Ascofer?
This Ascofer is best taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals on an empty stomach. If you have a disturbed stomach, you should take this drug with food. Before or after this drug, stop taking antacids, dairy products, tea, or coffee within 2 hours, as they can reduce their efficacy.
How much Ascofer should I take daily?
Dose: 1.5–2.0 mg/kg elemental iron three times daily. Older children: Ascofer (0.2 g) or ferrous gluconate (0.3 g) given three times daily, to provide 100–200 mg elemental iron.
How long do Ascofer stay in my system?
Most Ascofer supplements dissolve in the stomach in approximately 20-30 minutes. Some supplements claim to have a slow release mechanism. These vitamins and pills usually rely on a chemical coating to slow down the absorption.
What will happen if I stop taking my Ascofer ?
Side effects such as constipation and nausea are common with iron tablets. Some people stop whilst others take Ascofer infrequently. If you stop taking your Ascofer tablets early or only take them infrequently, you may cause them not to work.
What happen If I missed dose of Ascofer?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention. Get emergency medical help if a child has accidentally swallowed a tablet. An overdose of iron can be fatal to a young child. Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, shallow breathing, weak and rapid pulse, pale skin, blue lips, and seizure (convulsions).
Who should not take Ascofer?
You should not use Ascofer and folic acid if you are allergic to ferrous fumarate or folic acid, or if you have: iron overload syndrome; pernicious anemia (caused by a lack of vitamin B12); or hemolytic anemia (a disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed in the body faster than new ones can be produced).
What is the best time to take Ascofer morning or evening?
Most nutritionists say to take supplements, like folic acid, in the morning. Digestion slows at night, so taking your vitamins in the morning will allow for better and more efficient absorption into your system.
Is too much Ascofer bad for my heart?
Under these circumstances, taking Ascofer in excess may lead to iron overload, which can cause serious damage to your heart, liver, pancreas, thyroid, and central nervous system.
Is Ascofer safe?
Ascofer is used to treat iron deficiencies in the body. Thus, it acts as a health supplement for those with low iron content in their diet. Iron increases the production of red blood cells and haemoglobin. Vitamin C present in Ascofer aids in the effective and maximum absorption of dietary iron.
Do Ascofer supplements affect kidneys?
While Ascofer therapy is a common treatment for such patients, new evidence suggests that iron is potentially toxic and its long-term consequences are unknown. Given that intravenous iron can damage normal kidneys, its potential toxicity might be even greater in kidneys affected by disease.
Can Ascofer supplements cause liver damage?
Taking too much of Ascofer can lead to iron overload in the body, which can cause damage to liver, heart, pancreas, thyroid and central nervous system.
