A pharmacokinetic and clinical evaluation of iron poly (sorbitol-gluconic acid) complex

The pharmacokinetics of iron poly (sorbitol-gluconic acid) complex (IPSG) were studied following a single intramuscular injection of 59Fe-labelled IPSG to 4 iron deficient-patients. The results showed a more rapid uptake of iron from the site of injection than that reported with iron dextran while there was a lower urinary excretion than found with iron sorbitol citrate. A clinical study was carried out in 11 patients with iron deficiency anaemia. Patients were allocated at random to receive IPSG as either 250 mg or 500 mg elemental iron per week for 8 weeks. A satisfactory response to therapy was obtained with each regimen whether measured by an increase in haemoglobin concentration or in serum ferritin concentration. Few side-effects were encountered but discomfort and staining at the injection site was found on the higher dose schedule.