Fe-Stool Disease Interactions

There is no excretory mechanism for iron. Iron will correct only hemoglobin abnormalities due to iron deficiency and should not be used to treat conditions such as thalassemia, hemosiderosis, hemochromatosis, normocytic anemia (unless iron deficiency exists), or in patients receiving blood transfusions. Clinical monitoring of erythropoietic function and ferritin levels is recommended.

The use of laxatives is contraindicated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease may experience colonic perforation with use of stimulant laxatives.

The use of laxatives is contraindicated in patients with intestinal obstruction disorders. Patients with intestinal obstruction disorders may need their underlying condition treated to correct the constipation. Some laxatives require reduction in the colon to their active form to be effective which may be a problem in patients with intestinal obstruction.

Gastric acidity increases iron bioavailability by maintaining the ingested iron in a reduced form as ferrous ions, which are more readily absorbed than ferric ions. Therefore, when iron therapy is administered orally, higher dosages may be necessary for patients with decreased gastric acid production. Also, a liquid formulation is recommended in these patients because dissolution of the tablet coating depends on normal gastric acidity.

Iron can be irritating and damaging to gastrointestinal mucosa. Iron therapy should be administered cautiously in patients with peptic ulcer disease, enteritis, or ulcerative colitis.