Aktiferrin (Aktiferrin) drops for children. Instructions for use, where to buy, reviews, price

Aktiferrin - drops used for treatment of children with iron deficiency anemia. This disease is one of the most common among children of primary and school age and is characterized by a violation of the production of hemoglobin.

Despite its sufficient effectiveness, this drug can cause negative effects, especially in case of an overdose, which must be taken into account when prescribing it.

Forms of release and composition of the drug

Aktiferrin - drops for children, which are used internally. They are available in the form of a transparent liquid with a different shade (greenish, yellow, orange or brown), poured into 30 ml dark glass bottles. There is a dropper stopper for drip dispensing. Secondary packaging is cardboard boxes.

The bottle is protected by a special system from accidental opening. In order to open it, you must forcefully press the cap with your hand and turn it in the direction of the arrow. After use, the cap must be screwed back tightly. Such a system helps prevent children from accessing medicine.

The main components of the drug are as follows (their content per 100 ml of solution is indicated in parentheses):

• Ferrous sulfate heptahydrate (iron sulfuric acid, 4.72 g; in terms of pure ferrous iron - 0.948 g). This substance belongs to hematopoietic stimulants, and according to the ICD classifier it is used for unspecified anemia, iron deficiency in the body. Structural Chemical Formula - FeSO₄. The substance is a transparent crystal, when dissolved in water, an astringent liquid with a slightly acidic reaction is formed. In the human body, this component ensures the production of iron-containing metabolic products.
• Serine in the form of optical isomers D and L (3.56 g) is a nonessential amino acid involved in the construction of many proteins and in the formation of enzymes. Serine residues in proteins play an important role in the mechanism of cell-to-cell signaling. In combination with sulfate, this amino acid promotes better iron absorption.

The following are used as auxiliary components:

• Ascorbic acid (0.8 g) is an antioxidant that also enhances the absorption of iron in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Potassium salt of sorbic acid (or potassium sorbate, 0.1 g) is a preservative.
• Invert sugar syrup (15.18 g) is a sweetener, a product of the hydrolytic decomposition of sucrose into a mixture of glucose and fructose, which has anti-crystallization and moisture-binding properties.
• Ethyl 96% alcohol (0.1563 g) is a preservative.
• Raspberry and creamy flavors (0.05 and 0.0125 g, respectively).
• Purified water (83.4 g) is a solvent.

This medicine belongs to inorganic sources of iron (first generation iron-containing preparation).

Pharmacological properties

Aktiferrin - drops for children, the main pharmacological property of which is the replenishment of iron deficiency in the body, that is, the elimination of iron deficiency anemia. According to medical studies, this pathology is diagnosed in 48% of children under 2 years old and in 53% of cases in school-age children. Among adults, anemia is also common in pregnant women.

The most common causes of iron deficiency in children are:

• lack of food;
• maternal anemia during pregnancy (for newborns);
• violation of the regime (living in ecologically unfavorable areas, passive smoking, insufficient stay in the fresh air);
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in which the absorption of this element is impaired (chronic diarrhea, Crohn's disease, enteritis, celiac disease, malabsorption syndrome);
• intensive growth of the child;
• deficiency of transferrins - transport proteins that transfer iron to tissue depots;
• peptic ulcer and 12 duodenal ulcer;
• chronic inflammatory diseases;
• profuse blood loss, frequent nosebleeds;
• helminthic invasions.

Iron deficiency leads to a decrease in performance, an increase in susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections, and promotes growth and development delay in children.

The second main component - serine - helps the faster entry of ferrous sulfate into the bloodstream, in as a result, its content is restored more efficiently, and the required dose of iron for oral administration decreases.

Normalization of the level of this element leads to the activation of the following processes:

• oxygen transport along with hemoglobin;
• energy production (due to oxidative phosphorylation, enzymes of the Krebs cycle);
• storage of oxygen in myoglobin - an oxygen-binding protein of skeletal muscles and heart muscles;
• synthesis of red blood cells (erythrocytes).

In its free form, iron has toxic properties; therefore, it is present in medicines in the form of salts or chelates. In the human body, iron atoms bind to proteins to prevent tissue and cell damage. On average, the daily requirement of this element in children under 7 years of age is 0.5-1.5 mg per day.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

The features of absorption, distribution and metabolism of the drug are as follows:

1. After entering the gastrointestinal tract, ferrous ions are absorbed through the duodenal and jejunal mucosa.
2. The degree of absorption of iron is about 10-15% and depends on its deficiency in the body. So, in patients with low values ​​of hemoglobin in the blood, this indicator can reach 60%. When the element level is normalized, absorption decreases.
3. Part of the drug can be absorbed by the method of passive diffusion, that is, from the area of ​​higher concentration to the area with less concentration without energy consumption, therefore, with prolonged uncontrolled intake, an excess of gland.
4. The maximum concentration in the blood is observed 2-4 hours after taking the medicine.
5. In the bloodstream, the active element binds to the transferrin protein, and then is converted into a trivalent form.
6. This complex is transported to the organs of hematopoiesis (hematopoiesis), which primarily include the red bone marrow and spleen.
7. Iron also binds to the protein apoferritin, thus forming a complex compound of the hydroxide of this element and phosphoric acid.
8. This compound accumulates in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. From this depot, there is a gradual consumption of iron when it becomes deficient. Thus, a prolonged effect is provided.

Studies show that the drug is able to penetrate the placental barrier and into breast milk, which can serve as the prevention of fetal and newborn anemia.

Indications for use

Aktiferrin - drops for oral administration. Their main indication for children is the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.

Therapy should be comprehensive and based on 4 basic principles:

• normalization of the child's nutrition;
• correction of possible somatic reasons for the deficiency of this chemical element;
• the use of medications;
• therapy of concomitant diseases.

Typical clinical manifestations of this pathology are:

• general weakness;
• fast fatiguability;
• dizziness, headaches, and tinnitus;
• dyspnea;
• increased hair loss;
• palpitations;
• pallor of the skin;
• tooth decay;
• cognitive impairment (decreased concentration, attention, memory impairment);
• fainting.

It is possible to diagnose mild anemia only by laboratory parameters. As a rule, an assessment of the level of hemoglobin is used for this.

Since nutritional correction cannot completely eliminate this condition, iron-containing drugs are the mainstay of therapy. In the majority of children (about 70% of patients), the hemoglobin level in the blood normalizes in 1.5-2 months from the start of admission.

Contraindications

This medicine should not be used in the following cases:

• individual sensitivity to the components of the product;
• violation of the activity of enzymes that are involved in the synthesis of porphyrins (sideroachrestic anemia);
• anemia associated with lead poisoning;
• intolerance to fructose or galactose;
• deficiency of lactase - an enzyme involved in the breakdown of lactose;
• impaired absorption of glucose and galactose in the gastrointestinal tract;
• deficiency of the enzyme sucrase, which breaks down sucrose;
• hereditary hemoglobinopathies, characterized by inhibition of the synthesis of chain protein molecules that form the structure of hemoglobin (thalassemia);
• excess iron in the body, which occurs with pigmentary cirrhosis (a hereditary disease associated with violation of iron metabolism), pathologies accompanied by increased destruction of erythrocytes (hemolytic anemia and others);
• anemia, not associated with a lack of iron.

There are also restrictions on the prescription of this medication, in which it is necessary to take into account possible side effects (they can lead to aggravation of the underlying disease).

The drug can be taken strictly under the supervision of a physician when using dietary products or food supplements with a high content iron compounds (since in this case the risk of overdose increases), in the presence of inflammatory and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (including anamnesis).

At what age can the drug be used?

The dosage form in the form of drops is specially designed for newborns and young children. For children over 2 years old, it is preferable to use the drug in the form of a syrup. From the age of 6 years, you can prescribe the drug in the form of capsules for oral administration.

Instructions for use, dosage

Dosage features are indicated in the table below:

Age	Dosage, number of drops	Frequency rate of admission per day
Newborns, infants	10-15	3
Preschoolers	25-35	3
Pupils	50	3

A single dosage is calculated at the rate of 5 drops per 1 kg of body weight. The threshold value of the hemoglobin level at which the use of iron-containing drugs in children is required is usually 110 g / l.

The duration of treatment depends on the time it takes to restore the normal hemoglobin level in the blood. Usually it is at least 8 weeks. To consolidate the therapeutic effect and replenish the depot of this element, it is also necessary to continue taking it within 6-8 weeks after the normalization of blood counts.

The total iron deficiency O can also be roughly calculated using the following formula:

• O = 3.5M (16-Hb), where M is the child's body weight in kg; Hb - hemoglobin level, g% (to convert from g / l, the value must be divided by 10).

During admission, it is also recommended to monitor the level of hemoglobin, erythrocytes, transferrins and other blood parameters every month.

Side effects

Aktiferrin - drops for children, among the side effects of which may be noted:

• allergy in the form of skin manifestations (sometimes anaphylactic shock with individual sensitivity to the components of the drug);
• stool disorders (darkening is not a reason for discontinuing treatment, since the unassimilated part of iron is removed);
• pain in the abdominal area;
• nausea and vomiting.

For the prevention of digestive disorders, it is recommended to start with a small dose of the drug and increase it gradually.

Also, the following may appear as undesirable phenomena:

• damage to the esophagus and its sphincters;
• the formation of ulcers in the mouth;
• a decrease in the level of liver enzymes due to toxic effects on the cells of this organ;
• tendency to infectious diseases.

These phenomena are associated with an aggressive effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa.

Overdose

Studies show that when taking large doses of ferrous sulfate, it has a toxic effect on the body of children.

Overdose is accompanied by mortality in up to 25% of patients, therefore, the drug must be protected from children. A condition that threatens life and health can occur even after taking 1 g of the active substance.

Symptoms of this condition are:

• general weakness, increased fatigue, sluggishness, lethargy;
• pale skin color;
• cold sweat;
• drop in blood pressure, weak pulse;
• disturbances in sensitivity (burning sensation, tingling sensation, creeping "goose bumps");
• palpitations;
• increased body temperature;
• convulsions;
• confused consciousness;
• intense shallow breathing;
• coma (can develop within 12-24 hours).

Signs of renal and hepatic failure also appear within 2-4 days.

To eliminate the symptoms of an overdose, the following methods are used:

• gastric lavage (at home, you can drink water and induce vomiting, while the patient must be conscious; or give milk to drink);
• the appointment of a specific antidote Deferoxamine, which forms complexes with iron and aluminum ions (introduced intramuscularly, and at the initial stage, while iron has not yet been absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract - 5-10 g each, dissolved in drinking water, inside);
• the introduction of the above antidote intravenously in severe cases (with the development of shock), as well as the use of Unitiol;
• as an additional measure - hemodialysis (blood purification through a semi-permeable membrane on the "artificial kidney" apparatus).

special instructions

Special instructions for using this drug include:

• For pregnant and lactating women, an assessment of the possible consequences is necessary. If the benefits of taking the medication outweigh the risks, then the medication may be prescribed by a doctor.
• If the liver or kidneys are dysfunctional, caution is also required.
• No impact on the management of hazardous machinery (including vehicles) has been identified.

Drug interactions

Aktiferrin - drops for children, the absorption of which decreases when used together:

• cholesterol-lowering drug Cholestyramine;
• preparations for neutralizing stomach acid (antacids - Almagel, Fosfalugel and others);
• dietary supplements with calcium and magnesium;
• tea, coffee;
• vegetable products containing salts of phosphoric, phytic, oxalic acid;
• milk and eggs.

The absorption of the drug increases with the intake of ethyl alcohol (while the risk of toxic complications increases); ascorbic and citric acid.

The following interactions are also noted:

• antibiotics of the tetracycline and fluoroquinolone series, antiparkinsonian drugs - a decrease in their absorption;
• sodium salt of L-thyroxine (thyroid hormone) - a decrease in its bioavailability;
• zinc preparations - a decrease in absorption in the kidneys;
• vitamin E - decrease in effectiveness;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - an increase in the possible damaging effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa.

The time interval between taking the above means and ferrous sulfate should be 3-4 hours.

Analogs

Analogs of this medication are shown in the table below:

Name	Release form	Average price, rub.
I generation (inorganic salts and iron oxides)
Hemofer	Drops	240
Sorbifer durules	Pills	570
Maltofer	Tablets, syrup, drops, solution for intramuscular injection	280 (drops)
Ferrum-Lek	Tablets, syrup, solution for intramuscular injection	150 (syrup)
2nd generation - organic salts
Ferrous gluconate	Pills	230
Ferronate	Oral suspension	250
Heferol	Capsules	420
III generation - organic forms in combination with folic acid derivatives, vitamin C
Hemostimullin	Pills	230
Totem	Oral solution	540
Ferlatum	880

Terms, conditions of sale and storage

The features of the storage of the drug are:

• keep away from children;
• optimal storage temperature - no higher than + 25 ° С;
• the general shelf life is 2 years.

The medicine belongs to the prescription category.

Price

The average price in pharmacy chains for this drug is 400 rubles.

Aktiferrin - drops containing iron salts. They are prescribed for children with anemia. Thanks to their use, the necessary level of iron in the human body is restored. The drug belongs to the middle price category and is widely used in therapeutic practice. As undesirable effects when taking it, dyspeptic disorders most often occur.

Iron deficiency treatment videos

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