INN monograph
Carbonyl iron, anti-oxidants, Vit B12, zinc
Vitamin / mineral / nutritional supplement · POM
Verified · Updated 01 Aug 2026 · Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; Professional class pharmacology (Vitamin / mineral / nutritional supplement)
Kenya market
Wholesale / list prices where loaded
Risk first
Contraindications
- Hypervitaminosis risk states (hypercalcaemia for vitamin D/A).
- Iron: avoid in iron overload.
- Potassium: severe hyperkalaemia / untreated Addison's.
Precautions
- Treat confirmed deficiency with monitored repletion.
- Avoid megadoses without indication.
- Iron: keep away from children (overdose lethal).
Point of care
Dosing
Adult
Dosing is indication-, age-, weight- and organ-function-specific for this INN. Do not use class averages for high-risk patients. Confirm the exact regimen in the current SmPC and Kenya Standard Treatment Guidelines. Typical professional workflow: (1) confirm indication, (2) check renal/hepatic function, (3) screen interactions/allergies, (4) select dose/route/duration, (5) define monitoring.
Paediatric
Paediatric dosing is weight- and age-based; use a paediatric formulary / SmPC. Do not extrapolate adult tablets without calculation.
Renal
Fat-soluble vitamins and potassium need care in advanced CKD.
- CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Hepatic
Vitamin A toxicity hepatic; niacin hepatotoxicity at high dose.
Safety
Drug interactions
- Prefer food-first then targeted replacement.
- Document laboratory indication for high-dose therapy.
- Public health: vitamin A, iron, folate programmes per MoH guidance.
Safety
Adverse effects
- GI upset (iron, high-dose vitamin C).
- Hypercalcaemia (vitamin D excess).
- Neuropathy with B6 megadoses.
- Flushing (niacin).
Use
Indications
- Therapeutic use is agent- and indication-specific within the class (Vitamin / mineral / nutritional supplement).
- Use according to culture results, national guidelines (Kenya STG/EML where applicable) and the current product SmPC.
- Prevention and treatment of anemia.
Pharmacology
Mode of action
Vitamins and minerals act as cofactors, antioxidants, structural elements or hormone precursors (e.
Full mechanism text
Vitamins and minerals act as cofactors, antioxidants, structural elements or hormone precursors (e.g. vitamin D endocrine axis). Pharmacological high-dose effects differ from nutritional repletion.
ADME
Pharmacokinetics & PD
| Onset | Days–weeks for repletion |
|---|---|
| Duration | Depends on stores and ongoing intake |
| Route | ORAL / IM / IV (selected) |
| Absorption | depends on GI integrity, food matrix and binders (e.g. calcium/iron interactions). Fat-soluble vitamins (A,D,E,K) accumulate; water-soluble generally renally cleared. |
Kenya
Brands & prices
| Brand | Company | Pack | KES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferox syrup | Micro-labs Limited | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
Special populations
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
Folic acid preconception/first trimester critical. Iron/folate common in ANC. Avoid excess vitamin A.
Lactation
Maternal repletion often appropriate; avoid megadoses.
Diet
Food & alcohol
- Food
- Food
Trust
Sources & disclaimer
Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; Professional class pharmacology (Vitamin / mineral / nutritional supplement)
Last reviewed: 01 Aug 2026
Decision support only — not a substitute for clinical judgment, product SmPC, or Kenya STG/EML.