Effect of oral tetracycline on iron absorption from iron(III)-hydroxide polymaltose complex in patients with iron...

The study was carried out as an open-label, laboratory-blind, single-dose, randomized, two-period crossover, isotope efficacy study. Twenty-two patients with iron-deficiency anemia were enrolled in the study. The study consisted of two treatment phases of 15 days each, including blood sample measurements for Fe-59 activity. The two treatments were given orally. Treatment A was Fe-59 labeled iron(III)-hydroxide polymaltose complex (IPC, Maltofer) equivalent to 100 mg elemental iron given orally. Treatment B consisted of Fe-59 labeled IPC complex equivalent to 100 mg elemental iron and 500 mg tetracycline HCl (CAS 64-75-5) given orally. No differences between the two treatment groups with regard to the erythrocyte iron uptake were found, and thus IPC can be used with tetracycline, if necessary.