Sorbifer Durules in pregnancy: how to take?

All the most important processes in human life occur with the participation of iron: the synthesis of DNA, enzymes, proteins, oxidation-reduction reactions of tissues and the circulatory system, respiration, energy metabolism. Its predominant part is in hemoglobin, which is part of erythrocytes. A woman's body contains about 3 g. The average daily requirement for the element depends on gender and age. Thus, for women it is 1.4-1.5 mg, and during pregnancy it increases to 5-6, which is associated with the formation of the fetus. Iron deficiency forces it to be replenished with special preparations, which include Sorbifer Durules.

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Indications Sorbifer Durules

Iron is found in different amounts in food products, but the body does not control its consumption. When there is a shortage of the microelement, it is first used from the depot, at the next stage after its depletion, a deficit occurs in the tissues, expressed in muscle weakness, their dystrophy, addiction to salty, spicy.

Then iron deficiency anemia occurs with all its clinical signs: general weakness, rapid fatigue, dizziness, fainting. Sorbifer Durules is indicated for its treatment and prevention of the disease.

Release form

The drug is produced in tablets placed in a modified release coating, which is characterized by an extension of the time of entry of the drug into the body in accordance with the need. Thanks to this, it is possible to avoid dangerous concentrations.

The tablets are mustard-colored with the letter Z imprinted on them. They are packaged in glass bottles of 30 and 50 pieces.

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Pharmacodynamics

The preparation contains two active substances: iron sulfate (one tablet contains 320 mg) and ascorbic acid (60 mg). The first component replenishes the lack of iron, which is necessary for binding and transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules, the second increases its absorption in the intestines, and takes part in oxidation and reduction processes.

Pharmacokinetics

The drug is absorbed in the proximal part of the small intestine and duodenum. The acidic environment inside the stomach and vitamin C perform the necessary transformations with iron until it reaches a state capable of penetrating the bloodstream. Part of it is excreted with feces, which causes them to be colored black. After the tablet enters the stomach, this process occurs within 6 hours.

Dosing and administration

During pregnancy, a woman's circulating blood volume increases due to an increase in fluid in the body, which leads to a lower concentration of hemoglobin. The limiting indicator is 110 g / l, its further decrease is dangerous to health.

Insufficient supply of tissue cells with oxygen can lead to fetal hypoxia, which can lead to delays in its development, premature birth, and termination of pregnancy. It is also unsafe for the woman herself. This condition is treated with iron-containing drugs.

Sorbifer Durules contains divalent iron, which is effectively absorbed and gives quick results, while the element contained in food products is trivalent and requires transformation through food rich in vitamin C.

Anemia often occurs in the earliest stages of pregnancy, so sorbifer can be prescribed literally from the first weeks of pregnancy.

In the first two trimesters of pregnancy, sorbifer is recommended in a dose of one tablet per day, in the last third and during breastfeeding - twice a day. It should be swallowed whole, without chewing.

The duration of treatment depends on its success. Even after the hemoglobin levels stabilize, the drug is continued until complete saturation with iron, which is about 2 months. In total, treatment of severe cases of the disease can last 3-6 months.

It is prescribed with special caution for gastritis, gastroduodenitis, ulcers, chronic kidney and liver pathologies, enteritis, colitis, and increased blood clotting.

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Contraindications

Sorbifer Durules is not prescribed in case of excessive accumulation of iron in the body (determined by blood analysis), impaired absorption, other types of anemia not associated with iron. The drug is contraindicated for use in stenosis of the esophagus, obstruction of other parts of the digestive tract, bleeding, intolerance to its components.

Side effects Sorbifer Durules

The use of sorbifer during pregnancy, as well as in other categories of people, sometimes causes an allergy, manifested by itching, rash, reddening of the skin. Even in the absence of toxicosis, sorbifer can cause nausea. Ascorbic acid in the composition can irritate the gastric mucosa, cause pain in it, heartburn. Constipation or diarrhea may also occur.

Long-term use of the drug is fraught with the formation of kidney stones, disruption of glycogen synthesis, and even the development of diabetes mellitus. Headache, excessive nervous excitability, and insomnia are possible.

Overdose

Significant excess of recommended doses of sorbifer durules can cause nausea, vomiting, bloody stools, drowsiness, tachycardia, and decreased blood pressure.

Treatment of overdose includes gastric lavage, which requires drinking liquid and inducing vomiting. Severe intoxication requires intensive care.

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Interactions with other drugs

Sorbifer reduces the absorption of antibacterial drugs, tetracycline antibiotics, and the thyroid hormone thyroxine. Magnesium and calcium-containing drugs mutually reduce absorption. Antacids prevent iron from being fully absorbed. To avoid such negative effects, the intake of drugs should be spaced 2-3 hours apart.

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Storage conditions

The ideal storage location is away from direct sunlight, high temperatures and children.

Shelf life

The shelf life of the drug is 3 years.

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Analogues

For those who do not find sorbifer helpful during pregnancy or experience unwanted side effects, they can be replaced with analogues that have the following names:

• maltofer - contains trivalent iron, which at the beginning of treatment somewhat reduces its bioavailability. The drug has fewer side effects, including rare allergies, headaches, but diarrhea and dyspepsia occur quite often;
• Ferrum Lek is another iron preparation in the form of chewable tablets. Studies of pregnant women throughout the entire period of gestation taking it have not revealed any negative impact on either the fetus or the health of the woman. It is also well tolerated;
• Fenuls - capsules that replenish the deficiency of not only iron, but also B vitamins. Recommended from the 14th week of pregnancy according to the scheme: two weeks of intake, a week of break. And so on until the very birth;
• totema is a drinking solution that contains a combination of trace elements necessary for hematopoiesis: iron, manganese, and copper. It is recommended for pregnant women from the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Its maximum absorption occurs when taken before meals. It is also used to prevent iron deficiency.

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Reviews

Sorbifer durulex, judging by women's reviews, is often prescribed to pregnant women. The assessments are far from ambiguous. Along with the effectiveness of the drug, frequent side effects are noted, especially constipation and nausea, which force them to switch to another drug. Its cost also does not suit everyone.