Description
This compound has an average molecular weight of 5,000. It is prepared to contain 50 mg of iron/ml of which 8% is dialyzable. TFor those situations in which oral iron is not suitable for the treatment of iron-deficiency states, an ironsorbitol-citric acid complex for intramuscular use is now available. This preparation has been demonstrated to have no carcinogenic effect in test animals. Because of its small molecular size it is rapidly absorbed via the capillary bed from the site of injection, and does not result in local staining or induration and pain. No severe generalized reactions were noted despite its rapid absorption. Local reactions were minimal and by and large were felt to be those associated with any deep intramuscular injection. In the suboptimal treatment doses given in this survey, this preparation produced the maximal rise in hemoglobin for the amount of elemental iron injected. If given in large enough doses, carefully calculated to restore hemoglobin values and iron stores to normal levels, it should prove to be a safe, clinically effective parenteral agent for the therapy of iron-deficiency.