Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

Swallow tablets whole with water or other liquids.

If you have trouble swallowing the whole tablet, it may be crushed and mixed with soft foods (eg, apple sauce or yogurt) immediately before taking it orally.

Sprinkle the granules on soft food (eg, applesauce or yogurt) immediately before taking it orally.

It is best to take the tablet and granules at the same time each day on an empty stomach or with a light meal.

It is best to take the tablet for suspension at the same time each day on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before you eat.

Dissolve the tablet for suspension in water, orange juice, or apple juice. Mix well, then drink the mixture right away. To make sure you get all of the medicine, add some more liquid to the drinking glass, then drink all of this liquid too. Do not chew or swallow the tablet whole, and do not use it without mixing it in a liquid first.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For chronic iron overload after blood transfusions:
    • For oral dosage forms (granules, tablets):
      • Adults and children 2 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is usually 14 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 28 mg per kg per day.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (tablet for suspension):
      • Adults and children 2 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is usually 20 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 40 mg per kg per day.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For chronic iron overload in non-transfusion dependent thalassemia syndrome:
    • For oral dosage forms (granules, tablets):
      • Adults and children 10 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is usually 7 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 14 mg per kg per day.
      • Children younger than 10 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (tablet for suspension):
      • Adults and children 10 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is usually 10 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 20 mg per kg per day.
      • Children younger than 10 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep the bottle closed tightly and away from moisture.

Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

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