ferric maltol at a glance
Medicine class
Oral trivalent iron preparation
Licensed use
Iron deficiency in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over
Administration
Swallow the capsule whole with half a glass of water on an empty stomach; food reduces iron uptake.
Important safety point
Keep securely away from children because an iron overdose can be life-threatening.
What is ferric maltol used for?
Ferric maltol is licensed for treating confirmed iron deficiency in:
Adults
Adolescents aged 12 years and over
How does ferric maltol work?
Ferric maltol holds ferric iron in a stable maltol complex. In the gut, usable iron is released for absorption and transfer to transferrin and ferritin, which transport and store iron. The intact complex has negligible systemic exposure.
ferric maltol preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 30 mg
How to take ferric maltol
Follow the prescription label. Food reduces absorption.
Swallow capsules whole.
Take on an empty stomach with half a glass of water.
Ask a pharmacist how to separate ferric maltol from interacting medicines or supplements.
ferric maltol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Wind or bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Discoloured stools
Get urgent medical advice
- Possible severe allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, tongue or throat
- Iron overdose, which may initially cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhoea and can progress to serious toxicity
ferric maltol in pregnancy
Ferric maltol may be considered during pregnancy when clinically necessary. Discuss treatment with the prescriber or maternity team so the deficiency, its cause and the most suitable preparation can be reviewed.
ferric maltol while breastfeeding
Ferric maltol can be used while breastfeeding if clinically needed. The intact complex has negligible systemic availability and is therefore unlikely to enter breast milk.
ferric maltol interactions
Check all prescribed, pharmacy-bought and supplementary products. Important interactions include:
Intravenous iron
Avoid combined use because rapid transferrin saturation may cause hypotension or collapse.
Calcium or magnesium products
They may reduce iron absorption; follow pharmacist advice about separating administration.
Quinolone or tetracycline antibiotics
Iron may reduce antibiotic absorption, and tetracyclines may also reduce iron absorption. Take them at different times as directed.
Common questions about ferric maltol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is ferric maltol used for?
It treats confirmed iron deficiency in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over.
Is ferric maltol the same as ferrous sulfate?
No. Both supply oral iron, but ferric maltol contains ferric iron bound to maltol, whereas ferrous sulfate is a ferrous iron salt.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.