Carbium is the combined preparation of carbonyl iron, folic acid, zinc sulfate monohydrate, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, nicotinamide & ascorbic acid. It contains carbonyl iron with not less than 98% iron content. Carbonyl iron, having high bioavailability and low toxicity is safer and more effective choice for iron supplementation. Folic acid is required to maintain normal healthy development of the neural tube and is vital for cell division from a single cell to a fully developed baby. Vitamin B-Complex is required for the growth and development of unborn babies. Vitamin C plays a role in the structure of collagen in the fetal membrane. Zinc is a critical nutrient for fetal growth & development, central nervous system development & function and ensures better maternal & infant health.
Adult: One capsule daily before food or as directed by the physician.
With medicine: Carbonyl iron may decrease the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics, quinolone antibiotics, levodopa, levothyroxine, methyldopa and penecillamine. Folic acid interacts with antiepileptic, so plasma concentrations of phenobarbital, phenytoin and primidone are possibly reduced.
With food and others: zinc & iron should not co-administrate with milk, cheese, high fiber foods, unleavened bread, and coffee these may impact on absorption.
It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its component or those with iron overload.
Common: The most common side-effects include gastrointestinal irritations such as nausea, anorexia, vomiting, discomfort, constipation and diarrhea may occur. Patients may complain of dark stool.
Rare: Allergic reactions may be seen very rarely.
Overdose
Overdose of carbonyl iron include decreased energy, nausea, abdominal pain, tarry stool, weak, rapid pulse, fever, coma, seizures.
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.
Special care should be taken in patient with iron overload, such as haemochromatosis, haemolytic anemia or red cell aplasia. Failure to response to the treatment requires further investigations to exclude other causes of anemia. In patients with renal failure there may be the risk of zinc accumulation.