sodium feredetate trihydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Oral iron preparation
Form
Liquid taken by mouth
Main role
Replacement of iron in confirmed iron deficiency anaemia
Important safety point
Keep securely away from children because iron overdose can be fatal
What is sodium feredetate trihydrate used for?
The selected product is licensed for iron deficiency anaemia in adults, children and infants.
Iron deficiency anaemia, particularly in children
Iron deficiency anaemia during pregnancy when other oral iron preparations are not well tolerated
Anaemia secondary to rheumatoid arthritis where iron deficiency is present
How does sodium feredetate trihydrate work?
The chelate separates in the gastrointestinal tract and releases iron for absorption. The body uses this iron to make haemoglobin and replenish iron stores; the EDTA component is poorly absorbed and is largely eliminated unchanged.
How to take sodium feredetate trihydrate
Take the liquid by mouth exactly as directed on the label or by the prescriber. Measure it accurately with a medicine spoon or oral syringe. Water is the recommended diluent if dilution has been specifically advised. Tea, coffee, eggs and milk can reduce iron absorption, while vitamin C or citric acid may increase it.
Do not use a household teaspoon to measure liquid medicine.
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about other medicines, vitamins and mineral supplements.
Keep the bottle securely out of children’s sight and reach.
sodium feredetate trihydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea; its reported frequency is not known
- Mild diarrhoea; its reported frequency is not known
Get urgent medical advice
- Possible hypersensitivity: itchy rash, facial or throat swelling, or difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Blood in vomit or stools, severe abdominal symptoms, marked drowsiness or collapse after a possible overdose
sodium feredetate trihydrate in pregnancy
The selected product is licensed for iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy when other oral iron preparations are not well tolerated. First-trimester use requires an individual assessment of benefits and risks. The product information reports no associated adverse events during pregnancy, but a doctor or midwife should confirm that iron treatment is appropriate.
sodium feredetate trihydrate while breastfeeding
The product information reports no associated adverse events during lactation. Oral iron can generally be used while breastfeeding, but check with a pharmacist or prescriber. Maternal supplementation does not treat iron deficiency in the breastfed infant.
sodium feredetate trihydrate interactions
Oral iron can bind other medicines or have its own absorption altered. A pharmacist or prescriber may need to adjust how interacting products are taken.
Dimercaprol
Avoid combination because potentially toxic compounds may form.
Tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics
Iron can reduce antibiotic absorption; tetracyclines also reduce iron absorption.
Levothyroxine
Iron can reduce levothyroxine absorption and compromise thyroid treatment.
Mycophenolate, penicillamine and bisphosphonates
Iron can reduce absorption of these medicines.
Common questions about sodium feredetate trihydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is sodium feredetate trihydrate used for?
It replaces iron in iron deficiency anaemia. The selected product specifically includes use in children, pregnancy when other oral iron is poorly tolerated, and anaemia secondary to rheumatoid arthritis.
Is sodium feredetate trihydrate an iron salt?
No. Its iron is held in a sodium EDTA chelate, which separates in the gut to release absorbable iron.
Can babies and children take sodium feredetate trihydrate?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.