For the synthesis of hemoglobin, bone marrow requires iron. This microelement is not produced by the body, a person can get it only from the outside. If the amount of iron withdrawn exceeds the volume received, there is a deficit or anemia. Maltofer - a preparation for replenishment of a microelement. It is safe in the treatment of both adults and children.
Drops Maltofer - composition
This means is a solution of dark brown color with a pleasant creamy flavor and sweet taste. The main ingredient of the drug is 3-valent iron, the Maltoffer in each milliliter contains 50 mg of this trace element in the form of polymaltosate hydroxide. Auxiliary components:
- sodium propylparahydroxybenzoate;
- methylparahydroxybenzoate of sodium;
- sodium hydroxide;
- sucrose;
- cream flavor;
- purified water.
Maltofer - indications for use
The active ingredient of the described preparation is a stable macromolecular complex similar to the natural iron compound (ferritin), which is stored in the body, mainly in the liver. Due to this, the preparation of Maltofer does not release free ions of a trace element in the digestive system and does not stain tooth enamel. Iron is absorbed in the thin and 12 duodenum, from the liver it enters the bone marrow, where it participates in the formation of hemoglobin. Due to safety and bioavailability, drops are allowed to be used from an early age.
Maltofer for children
A strong iron deficiency is fraught with latent and severe anemia for the growing organism, a delay in physical development and other problems. Drops Maltofer help to make up for the lack of a trace element, in parallel to increase the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood. It is advisable to prescribe preterm infants, toddlers on artificial feeding with iron deficiency confirmed by laboratory tests.
Drops for children Maltofer are also used in the following cases:
- significant blood loss for any reason;
- lack of iron in food (especially in the region of residence, vegetarianism );
- stage of intensive growth of the child ( adolescence ).
Maltofer during pregnancy
Iron deficiency anemia often affects women due to the high daily requirement for this trace element (18 mg). In the period of gestation, this indicator is doubled. Hormonal changes that occur in the body of a future mother cause stagnation of fluid and blood thinning, which leads to a decrease in hemoglobin, and the body has to expend ferritin supplies from muscle tissue, liver and bone marrow. In addition, iron is required for the correct formation of the fetus.
Drops during pregnancy Maltofer provide the body with a necessary amount of a microelement, depending on the severity of its deficiency. The less iron in the blood, the more it is absorbed into the intestine. The unclaimed volume of the substance is excreted with feces. Drops (solution) Maltofer are prescribed for such pathologies:
- iron deficiency anemia ;
- latent iron deficiency;
- vegetarianism during pregnancy.
Maltofer (drops) - side effects
This drug is well tolerated. In most children and adults, drops of Maltofer cause changes in the color of the stool. This is a normal phenomenon, indicating the natural excretion of iron, which is not absorbed into the blood, it is not accompanied by discomfort and has no clinical significance. Maltofer - side effects that occur frequently:
- nausea;
- dyspeptic disorders;
- diarrhea.
Rarely encountered states:
- allergic reactions;
- constipation;
- stomach ache;
- vomiting;
- rash;
- itching;
- headache.
Maltofer - contraindications
Therapy for latent or severe iron deficiency should be performed exclusively under the supervision of a physician. Maltofer for babies, older children and adults is absolutely safe, but it is first important to check the absence of contraindications to its use:
- non-iron-deficient anemia;
- hypersensitivity or individual intolerance to any of the components of the drops;
- thalassemia and similar disorders of iron removal mechanisms;
- stenosis of the esophagus;
- regular blood transfusion;
- excess iron in the body (hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis);
- obstructive pathology of the digestive system;
- intestinal obstruction;
- parallel reception of parenteral forms of iron;
- diverticulum of the intestine;
- deficiency of sugar or isomaltase in the body.
How to take Maltofer?
Drops can be drunk undiluted, they have a neutral sweetish taste. The solution is allowed to mix with water, fruit juices and any other non-alcoholic liquids, including adapted infant formula. It is important that the dosage is strictly adhered to when using drops of Maltofer. Its excess can provoke the emergence of negative side effects, mainly nausea, diarrhea.
Maltofer - dosage for children
This drug is often given to premature babies in case of severe iron deficiency anemia. The daily portion is 1-2 drops per 1 kg of body weight. In other situations, according to the instructions, Maltofer is used - dosage for children up to a year is within 10-20 drops per day. This amount of solution is recommended when confirmed by an analysis of iron deficiency anemia. If the baby has a latent micronutrient deficiency or if a prophylaxis of this condition is necessary, drops for babies Maltofer are required in a smaller amount, from 6 to 10 pieces.
Daily portion for children from 1 year to 12 years:
- 20-40 drops with iron deficiency anemia;
- 10-20 drops in other cases.
Maltofer - dosage for adults
Since adolescence (12 years), the number of drops per day reaches 40-120 with iron deficiency anemia. If deficiency of iron is latent or its prophylaxis is required, the dosage is reduced to 20-40 drops per day. Separately developed therapy for pregnant women with the drug Maltofer, the application requires an increase in the daily portion against the backdrop of the increased need for iron. In the period of gestation, 80-120 drops of the drug are necessary for iron deficiency anemia, and 40 drops of the drug in the remaining situations.
How long can you take Maltofer?
Elimination of latent micronutrient deficiency and normalization of hemoglobin in the blood occurs within 1-2 months. If the problem is strongly pronounced and there are no own reserves of ferritin in the body, you should drink Maltofer longer, reception in such cases increases for another 4-8 weeks. For effective treatment of iron deficiency anemia, the maximum period of drug use is prescribed. Drops Maltofer need to drink for 3-5 months. During the entire period of therapy, it is necessary to monitor the level of ferritin and hemoglobin using laboratory tests.
Maltofer drops - analogues
When there is no possibility to purchase the presented drug or intolerance of its components is found out, it is necessary to search for replacement. Maltofer - analogues:
- Profer;
- Argeferr;
- Ferrum Lek;
- Hemozhet;
- Ferumbo;
- Aquaferrol;
- Tardiferon;
- Ferro-foil;
- Globigen;
- Feniuls;
- iron saccharate;
- Ferlatum;
- Venofer;
- Likferr 100;
- Biofer;
- Actyferrin;
- Sorbifer;
- Ferretab;
- Totem;
- Cosmofer;
- Fermed.
Some of the listed pharmacological agents are not direct analogs of drops of Maltofer, but generics. In the role of active ingredients of such drugs is 2-valent iron. According to medical research, such a variant of joining the molecules of the microelement is absorbed by the human body worse. A closer form is 2-valent iron.