Vitamin & Minerals
Composition
Zifday capsule: Each capsule contains Carbonyl iron USP 50 mg, Folic acid USP 0.50 mg, and Zinc USP 22.5 mg.
Pharmacology
Carbonyl iron is a form of the mineral iron. Iron is important for many functions in the body, especially for the transport of oxygen in the blood. Carbonyl iron is used as a dietary supplement, and to prevent and to treat iron deficiencies and iron deficiency anemia.
Folic acid enhances chemical reactions that contribute to the production of red blood cells, the manufacture of DNA needed for cell replication and the metabolism of amino acids (compounds necessary for the manufacture of proteins).
Zinc is essential to numerous physiological processes, including the function of many enzymes in the body. Deficiency may lead to poor night vision, slow healing of wounds, poor sexual development and function in males, poor appetite (perhaps owing to a decrease in the sense of taste and smell), a reduced ability to ward off infections, diarrhoea, dermatitis and in children, retarded growth.
Indication
It is indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of iron, folic acid and zinc deficiency especially during pregnancy and lactation.
Dosage & administration
Adults & Elderly: 1 capsule daily. In more severe cases, 2 capsules daily may be required.
Children: (Aged over 1 year): 1 capsule daily. The capsule may be opened and the pellets to be mixed with soft cool food, but they must not be chewed.
or as directed by the physician.
Contra-indication
This product is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.
Warning & precaution
Care should be taken in patients who may develop iron overload, such as those with haemochromatosis, haemolytic anemia or red cell aplasia. Iron chelates with tetracycline and absorption may be impaired.
Side effects
Gastrointestinal irritations such as nausea, anorexia, vomiting, discomfort, constipation and diarrhoea may occur. Patients may complain of dark stool. Carbonyl iron pellets are incorporated into the capsules to reduce the possibility of gastrointestinal irritations. Rarely there may be allergic reactions.
Use in pregnancy & lactation
Use of any drug during the first trimester of pregnancy should be avoided if possible. Thus administration of iron during the first trimester requires definite evidence of iron deficiency. Prophylaxis of iron deficiency where inadequate diet calls for supplementary zinc and folic acid is justified during the remainder of pregnancy.
Use in children & adolescents
Children: (Aged over 1 year): 1 capsule daily. The capsule may be opened and the pellets to be mixed with soft cool food, but they must not be chewed.
Drug interaction
Carbonyl iron may decrease the absorption of Tetracycline antibiotics, Quinolone antibiotics, Levodopa, Levothyroxine, Methyldopa and Penecillamine. Folic acid interacts with antiepileptics, so plasma concentrations of phenobarbital, Phenytoin and Primidone are possibly reduced.
Overdose
Symptoms of Carbonyl iron include decreased energy, nausea, abdominal pain, tarry stool; a weak, rapid pulse, fever; coma; seizures. In the case of an overdose, supportive measures should be instituted.
Storage
Keep out of the reach of children. Keep below 30°C, protect from light.
Packing
Zifday capsule: Each box contains 6X10's capsule in blister pack.