Generic Name
Ferric maltol

Therapeutic area
Blood & Blood Forming Organs

Dosage Form
Hard gelatin capsules

Usage
Indicated in adults for the treatment of iron deficiency.

IDOMALTOL contains Ferric Maltol, an advanced oral iron formulation designed to provide bioavailable iron for the treatment or prevention of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.
Each hard gelatin capsule delivers 231.7 mg ferric maltol, equivalent to 30 mg of elemental iron.

Pharmacological Classification

• Therapeutic class: Anti-anemic preparation (Oral iron supplement)
• ATC code: B03AB10 (Ferric iron preparations)

Mechanism of Action

Ferric maltol is a stable complex of ferric iron (Fe³⁺) and maltol, a naturally occurring sugar derivative that enhances iron absorption.

• After ingestion, ferric maltol releases iron in a controlled manner in the intestinal tract.
• The released iron binds to transferrin, the body’s natural iron transport protein, which delivers it to sites of hemoglobin synthesis and iron storage (liver, bone marrow, muscle).
• This minimizes free iron in the gut, reducing oxidative stress and gastrointestinal irritation compared to traditional iron salts (like ferrous sulfate).

Indications

Used for:

• Treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) due to:
  • Chronic blood loss
  • Malabsorption (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease)
  • Poor dietary intake
• Prevention of iron deficiency in individuals at risk (e.g., menstruating women, pregnant women under medical supervision, vegetarians).

Dosage and Administration

Adults:

• Recommended dose: 30 mg elemental iron (1 capsule) twice daily (morning and evening), ideally on an empty stomach or at least 1 hour before meals.
• Duration: Continue until iron stores normalize (usually 12–24 weeks), as advised by a healthcare provider.

Pediatric use:

• Not typically recommended for children under 12 years unless prescribed.

Pharmacokinetics

• Absorption: Optimized due to ferric maltol complex stability; less affected by food or gastric pH.
• Distribution: Iron binds to transferrin and ferritin for storage and utilization.
• Metabolism: Maltol is metabolized to glucuronide conjugates and excreted renally.
• Elimination: Iron incorporated into hemoglobin or stored; excess excreted minimally.

Advantages Over Traditional Iron Salts

• Better gastrointestinal tolerability (less nausea, constipation, and metallic taste)
• Improved bioavailability
• Reduced risk of oxidative mucosal damage
• Suitable for patients intolerant to ferrous salts​

Precautions

• Avoid use in patients with iron overload disorders (e.g., hemochromatosis).
• Use with caution in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — although generally better tolerated.
• Do not take concurrently with other oral iron preparations or antacids.

Adverse Effects

Generally mild and transient:

• Gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, abdominal pain)
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Dark stool coloration (harmless)
• Rarely: hypersensitivity reactions

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to ferric maltol or excipients
• Iron overload (e.g., hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis)
• Active gastrointestinal bleeding

• Store at a temperature not exceeding 30°C in a dry place, before and after opening.
• Use within 45 days after opening.
• Keep out of reach of children.

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