"Maltofer" is an iron preparation, therefore, it is often prescribed for adults with a lack of this element. Doctors often prescribe it during pregnancy and anemia. But Maltofer is used for infants. The effect of the drug and the rules for its use are described in the article.
Why is iron required?
This component is important for the body. It is used in the synthesis of enzymes and proteins that are involved in metabolism. An important blood protein, where there is iron, is considered hemoglobin (Hb). It is he, combining with oxygen, delivers it to various tissues.
With a lack of iron, hypoxia (oxygen starvation) appears in all organs and systems. Especially negatively affects the lack of oxygen on the brain. Iron is in myoglobin, catalase, cytochrome, peroxidase.
The supply of this component is provided in the form of hemosiderin and ferritin. With intrauterine development, iron passes to the fetus through the placenta from the mother's body. The stock of iron in the body of the child most actively increases by 28-32 weeks.
With birth, the neonatal reserve of the component is 300-400 mg in a full-term baby, and 100-200 mg in a premature baby. Iron is used for the synthesis of hemoglobin and enzymes, takes part in the regeneration, compensates for physiological removal in the urine, then - with feces.
Due to the active growth and development of the child, the need for iron increases. Therefore, reserves are depleted quickly: in a full-term baby by 5-6 months, and in a premature baby - by 3 months. Absorbed glands in the intestines. Only 5% of iron consumed daily from foods is absorbed. Digestibility is determined by the state of the digestive system. Breastfed drugs make up for the lack of iron. The rules of use of "Maltofer" should be found in advance.
Forms of medicine
The drug is available in the following forms:
- Drops. The medication is presented in the villa of bottles of 10 ml or 30 ml. According to reviews, Maltofer drops for babies are prescribed more often.
- Syrup. A similar tool is released in bottles with a capacity of 75 or 150 ml.
- Solution for oral administration. It is packaged in 5 ml bottles, which are sold in 10 pieces. in 1 box.
- Chewable tablets. In 1 pack, 10 or 30 tablets are present.
- Solution for intramuscular injection. In 1 box there are 5 ampoules, which contain 2 ml of medicine.
There is also a tool "Maltofer Fall." These are chewable tablets that include folic acid. Such a tool is rarely prescribed for children, as it is intended for pregnant women, since both components are needed for carrying a baby.
"Maltofer" for infants should be prescribed only by a doctor, if it is really necessary. Perform treatment with such a tool yourself is not worth it.
Structure
All forms of the drug include 3-valence iron. This is the main component. It is presented in the form of polymaltosate hydroxide. Dosage differs depending on the form:
- 1 ml of syrup includes 10 mg;
- 1 ml of solution - 20 mg;
- 1 drop - 2.5 mg;
- 1 ml injection - 50 mg;
- 1 tablet - 100 mg.
The remaining components of each form are different. For example, drops contain sucrose, Na hydroxide, cream flavoring, water, sodium propyl and methyl parahydroxybenzoate. The tablets are dense and sweet due to the presence of MCC, vanillin, macrogol 6000, chocolate flavor, sodium cyclamate and other components.
Act
As indicated in the instructions for use, Maltofer for infants is considered a source of iron, which is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin. The tool allows you to meet the needs of this component, eliminating its shortages, and treats anemia. As a result, hemoglobin in the blood normalizes.
Iron from any form of the drug is perfectly absorbed and delivered to the bone marrow. Since it is associated with polymaltosate, ions are released gradually, without leading to excess. Iron, which was not considered to be in demand, combines with ferritin and accumulates, and some part of the element is removed from the body with feces.
Indications
As stated in the instructions, "Maltofer" for infants is used at the same time as in adults. The drug is prescribed in the following cases:
- iron deficiency anemia;
- latent anemia;
- increased waste of iron;
- insufficient intake of foods with iron.
Injections are used when you cannot take Maltofer inside, for example, with malabsorption, gastrointestinal ulcer. How best to take - only the doctor should decide.
From what age?
Maltofer drops for infants, as well as syrup, will not be contraindicated, since these forms can be used from birth. The medication is prescribed for anemia and a high risk of its occurrence. The tool is also allowed to be taken if the child is premature.
Injections are prescribed only 4 months. Treatment with tablets is allowed only from 12 years. Therefore, it is important to consider the form of medication taken.
When is it forbidden to take?
But reception of "Maltofer" is not always allowed. All forms of medicine cannot be used in the following cases:
- intolerance to the component;
- hemosiderosis and other iron overdose;
- anemia, which appeared not from a lack of iron.
Injections are prohibited for acute kidney pathologies, cirrhosis and hepatitis, bronchial asthma, hyperparathyroidism, as well as for some other diseases.
Side effects
According to reviews, drops "Maltofer" for infants rarely lead to negative reactions. Taking the product does not change the color of the enamel of the teeth, but can change the color of the feces, making them dark. This side effect is normal, and the color of the stool is restored after completion of treatment.
Injections can lead to allergies. In some children, diarrhea, skin rash, nausea, or headaches appear on pills or liquid medicine. A rarely taken remedy leads to abdominal pain, skin itching, constipation, and vomiting. If constipation appears in infants after taking Maltofer, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Application rules
The Maltofer form for infants should be selected by the doctor. The duration of therapy depends on the reason for which the remedy is prescribed. For example, if the drug is prescribed for the prevention of iron deficiency, then the doctor may advise you to drink the drug for 1-3 months. If the child has anemia, then the drug is prescribed for 3-5 months in a therapeutic dose, and then for several months in a low dosage.
Usually, “Maltofer” for infants is prescribed inside, and injections are performed in rare cases. Injections are done intramuscularly, and their frequency and dose are determined individually. If possible, injections are replaced with drops, syrup or another form of medicine. The drug should be given immediately after feeding or with food.
The tablets are chewed or swallowed, washed down with a drink, but not tea. Liquid products can be diluted with compote, fruit drink, water, juice or other drink (but not tea). How to give Maltofer to a baby? In this case, the medicine is mixed with the milk mixture or the mother’s milk. But if the child does not mind, the liquid remedy can be given not diluted.
According to reviews, "Maltofer" for infants is prescribed by a doctor, indicating the frequency of admission. The tool can be given in a full daily dose or divided several times. Daily doses for children of different ages are different. According to reviews, Maltofer drops for infants up to 6 months give 10-20 drops per day in the presence of anemia, 2-4 drops for prevention.
Overdose
Any form of the drug taken orally is low toxic, therefore, cases of harmful effects of an increased dosage of such drugs have not been identified. Due to an overdose of injections, the following occurs:
- cold sweat;
- loose stools;
- nausea;
- pallor.
For therapy, the patient is given an antidote and other medications prescribed by a doctor. If signs of an overdose appear, consult a doctor.
Interaction
It is important to observe the following rules specified in the instructions:
- The child can not be simultaneously treated with Maltofer and other iron-based drugs.
- Mixing injections in 1 syringe with other solutions is prohibited.
- You can not take both "Maltofer" and ACE inhibitors, so as not to increase the likelihood of a side effect.
Sale
You can buy any form of the drug at the pharmacy, but only by prescription. Therefore, prior to purchase, consultation with a specialist is mandatory. The price of the product depends on the form:
- drops cost 250 rubles;
- chewable tablets (30 pcs.) - 300 rubles;
- syrup (150 ml) - 300 rubles.
Preparations of any form can be stored at home at room temperature in a dry room. The main thing is that medicines should be out of the reach of children. The shelf life of the syrup and drops is 3 years, and other means - 5 years.
Reviews about the treatment with the drug are almost exclusively positive. Parents testify to the effectiveness of the drug, its mild effect, good tolerance. Allergies and side effects are rare, but are still sometimes detected in children. Kids tolerate the taste of the drug normally.
Analogs
Instead of Maltofer, the following agents are allowed:
- Totem. The solution contains gluconate, manganese, and copper. The drug is allowed to be taken from 3 months.
- Ferrum Lek. A similar preparation includes iron in the form of polymaltosate hydroxide. The drug is released in the form of syrup, tablets, injections. Children are prescribed the drug from birth, injections from 4 months, and solid form from 12 years.
- Ferlatum. Such a solution includes iron succinylate protein and is prescribed from birth.
- Actiferrin. The drug is considered a source of iron sulfate, supplemented with serine. It is released in drops, capsules and syrup. A liquid remedy is given at any age.
- Tardiferon. These are tablets in a shell with iron sulfate. Prescribe them from 6 years.
Before using analogues, you should read the instructions for their use.
Is iron substitution allowed?
This question interests many parents. The reason for concern is that the medicine is harmful to the child. Particularly worried are parents whose children have been diagnosed with latent anemia. Is it possible to do without a drug? This should be consulted with a specialist.
When diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, you need to take the medicine. Babies at first actively consume hemoglobin, which is obtained in the womb. It was revealed that from 7 to 9 months of pregnancy, babies suck out iron from their mother. Therefore, many women in the last stages of bearing a child have lower rates.
If the baby has symptoms of iron deficiency, then it will not work to fill up with food. Even if breastfeeding occurs. The body needs help. In premature babies, the situation is critical. They lack several months of intrauterine development, in which the body is replenished with iron. Therefore, they need drugs with an element.
High hemoglobin allows you to not only gain the right weight in time. It also provides good immunity, protection of the body from colds and the full development of the brain and nervous system. Prevention is also being carried out, which is necessary for the full development of the child. Hematologists believe that foods raise hemoglobin more slowly. And it will turn out faster with drugs.
Thus, the drug "Maltofer" can be taken to infants, if it was prescribed by a doctor. But sometimes its analogues are prescribed. Whatever tool is chosen, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the instructions for use.