Summary
• Bioavailabiltiy of oral iron may be enhanced in the presence of reducing agents such as ascorbic acid.
• All commercially available iron salts are effective in the treatment of iron deficiency.
• Administration of oral iron should be separated from other medications by at least 1–2 hours.
• The use of iron dextran is not attractive compared to other IV iron preparations because of its side effect profile.
• Infusion-related side effects such as hypotension can be alleviated by slowing the rate of administration of IV iron preparations.
• Acute iron toxicity should be treated promptly with gastric lavage and supportive care.
• Chronic iron toxicity can result in significant organ damage and is treated with chelation agents such as deferoxamine, deferiprone, and deferasirox.