Management of iron deficiency anemia involves identifying and treating the underlying cause, alongside correcting anemia through dietary improvement, oral iron supplementation, or parenteral iron therapy. Oral iron is preferred for replacing iron stores and treating mild to moderate anemia.
A study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research evaluated the efficacy, safety, and cost of four oral iron preparations—ferric ammonium citrate, ferrous fumarate, ferrous sulfate, and ferrous calcium citrate—in 66 anemic patients over three months. All formulations significantly improved hemoglobin levels and anemia indices, with no significant differences in efficacy or adverse drug reactions among them. However, one formulation emerged as the most cost-effective option for patients.