Anemia of Prematurity - Portal Neonatal

Precautions
Caution in porphyria, hypertension, history of seizures; decrease dose if
hematocrit increase exceeds 4 U in any 2-wk period; multidose vials
contain benzyl alcohol
Drug Category: Vitamins and minerals -- Organic substances required by the body in small
amounts for various metabolic processes. Used clinically for the prevention and treatment of specific
deficiency states.
Drug Name Ferrous sulfate (Feosol) -- Nutritionally essential inorganic substance.
Pediatric Dose
5 mg/kg/wk (based on elemental iron content) IV; alternatively, 6
mg/kg/d PO
Contraindications Documented hypersensitivity
Interactions
Absorption is enhanced by ascorbic acid; interferes with tetracycline
absorption; food and antacids impair absorption
Pregnancy B - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks.
Precautions
Drug Name
Pediatric Dose
GI upset; iron toxicity is observed with ingestion of large amount and
can be fatal, especially in children; parenteral (IV) administration may
cause several reactions, including headaches, malaise, fever,
generalized lymphadenopathy, arthralgia, and urticaria; can cause
severe anaphylaxis; other reactions include phlebitis at infusion site
Vitamin E (Aquasol E, Vitec) -- Protects polyunsaturated fatty acids in
membranes from attack by free radicals and protects RBCs against
hemolysis.
25 IU/d PO initially; measure plasma tocopherol within 1 wk and adjust
dose accordingly
Contraindications Documented hypersensitivity
Interactions
Mineral oil decreases absorption; delays absorption of iron and
increases effects of anticoagulants
Pregnancy B - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks.
Precautions
Drug Name
Pediatric Dose 50 mcg/d PO
Pregnancy category C with large doses of vitamin E; vitamin E may
induce vitamin K deficiency; necrotizing enterocolitis may occur with
administration of large doses
Folic acid (Folvite) -- Important cofactor for enzymes used in production
of RBCs
Contraindications Documented hypersensitivity
Interactions
Increase in seizure frequency and decrease in subtherapeutic levels of
phenytoin reported when used concurrently
Pregnancy A - Safe in pregnancy
Precautions
Pregnancy category C if dose exceeds RDA; benzyl alcohol present in
some products as preservative; has been associated with fatal gasping
syndrome in premature infants; resistance to treatment may occur in
patients with alcoholism and deficiencies of other vitamins