Hematogen Forte

Generic name:ferrous fumarate, ascorbic acid, folic acid and cyanocobalamin
Dosage form: capsule, gelatin coated
Drug classes:Iron products, Vitamin and mineral combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 1, 2021.

Disclaimer: This drug has not been found by FDA to be safe and effective, and this labeling has not been approved by FDA. Read further information about unapproved drugs.

Hematogen Forte Description

Each brown soft gelatin capsule contains:

Ferrous fumarate..... 460 mg

(151 mg elemental iron)

Ascorbic acid..... 60 mg

Folic acid..... 1 mg

Cyanocobalamin.....10 mcg

The amount of elemental iron and the absorption of the iron components of commercial iron preparations vary widely. It is further established that certain "accessory components" may be included to enhance absorption and utilization of iron. Hematogen Forte Capsules are formulated to provide the essential factors for a complete, versatile hematinic.

Inactive Ingredients: Soybean oil, Lecithin, Glycerin, hydrogenated soybean oil, Yellow Beewax, Titanium Oxide.

ACTIONS/CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

High Elemental Iron Content: Ferrous fumarate, used in Hematogen Forte Capsules, is an organic iron complex which has the highest elemental iron content of any hematinic salt - 33%. This compares with 20% for 1,2 ferrous sulfate (heptahydrate) and 13% for ferrous gluconate. Hematogen Forte contains 151 mg of elemental iron.

More Complete Absorption: It has been repeatedly shown that ascorbic acid, when given in sufficient amounts, can increase the absorption of ferrous iron from the gastrointestinal tract. The absorption promoting effect is mainly due to the reducing action of ascorbic acid within the gastrointestinal lumen, 3 which help to prevent or delay the formation of insoluble or less dissociated ferric compounds.

Promotes Movement Of Plasma Iron: Ascorbic acid also plays an important role in the movement of plasma iron to storage depots in the tissues. The action, which leads to the transport of plasma iron to ferritin, presumably involves its reducing effect, converting transferrin iron from the ferric to the ferrous state. There is also evidence that ascorbic acid improves iron utilization, presumably as a further result of its reducing action, and some evidence that it may have a direct effect upon erythropoiesis. Ascorbic acid is further alleged to enhance the conversion of folic acid to a more physiologically active form, folin...