All of the following are characteristic features of treatment of iron deficiency anemia with oral iron supplements, except:
A total of200mg given daily in three divided doses produces the maximal haemopoietic response. Iron therapy should be continued for 3-6 months after the correction of deficiency in order to replenish the iron stores. From medical pharmacology padmaja 4th edition page 328 and essential of medical pharmacology K D Tripati 7th edition page no 603
If 200-300 mg elemental iron is consumed, about 50 mg is absorbed
The propoion of iron absorbed reduces as hemoglobin improves
The reticulocyte count should begin to increase in two weeks and peak in 4 weeks --this suggests good response to treatment
The treatment should be discontinued immediately once hemoglobin normalizes to prevent side effects of iron.
Hematology