A preparation containing an iron-poly (sorbitol-gluconic acid) complex for parenteral treatment of iron deficiency anaemia is described. The physical and chemical properties of the iron complex have been studied by using electrophoresis and gel permeation chromatography. A rapid absorption from the injection site after intramuscular administration to rabbits takes place, 70 per cent of the iron being absorbed after 2 4 4 8 hours. Thereafter, the absorption rate is slower, and 32 days after the injection 94 per cent has been absorbed from the injection site. In rabbits the maximum level of iron in serum is reached after 12-24 hours; in dogs after 1-3 hours. Disappearance from the serum takes place slowly. The complex is exclusively absorbed via the lymphatic route. Nine to ten per cent of the given dose is excreted by the kidney within 72 hours in rats and 24 hours in rabbits after intramuscular administration. On administration of the preparation to rats, made anaemic by phlebotomy, a rapid increase of haemoglobin values is observed as well as a very high utilization of the retained amount of the given dose.
The placental transfer of an iron‐poly (sorbitol‐gluconic acid) complex, Ferastral®, has been studied. By use of the 59Fe‐, 14C‐sorbitol, and 14C‐gluconic acid labelled complexes it was shown that the passage of the iron moiety is related to foetal need and that only negligible amounts of 14C from either 14C‐sorbitol or 14C‐gluconic acid labelled iron complexes were found in the foetus. This implies that the intact complex does not pass the placental barrier.
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