General information
Herbal blood, often sold under the name Floradix®, is a drug that is mainly used in the treatment of iron deficiency. It is also frequently used during pregnancy. The herbal blood is available in different dosage forms and can therefore be used individually. It is available without prescription in pharmacies or health food stores.
Indications
Iron deficiency is a classic indication for taking herbal blood or Floradix®. This can have many causes and should therefore be clarified by a doctor before taking herbal blood. The mildest form of iron deficiency, or the resulting iron deficiency anemia, commonly known as anemia, is often caused by a reduced dietary iron intake or, in women, by increased menstruation.
Iron deficiency can also have more serious causes. In addition to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which lead to a reduced absorption of iron, iron utilization disorders can also be the cause of iron deficiency. Cancer can also be associated with iron deficiency. During pregnancy, the need for iron increases, so that this circumstance can also cause an iron deficiency and be an indication for taking herbal blood.
Contraindications
As with any drug, there are some contraindications for taking herbal blood that should be considered. The taking of herbal blood should be avoided for
- A known hypersensitivity to iron sulfate.
- Hypersensitivity to components of the different types of administration, i.e. tablets, dragees or solutions. Some dosage forms also contain fructose, so that in case of fructose intolerance the intake of these dosage forms should be avoided.
- Iron utilization disorders.
- Disorders associated with an accumulation of iron, as in the iron storage disease hemochromatosis.
Interactions
When taking herbal blood and other medications, interactions may occur. It should be noted in particular that herbal blood can reduce the intake of certain medications. These are: If you take dairy products or stomach acid inhibitors at the same time as herbal blood, the absorption of iron is reduced.
- Antibiotics, such as tetracyclines
- Some Parkinson’s medications
- Thyroid hormones (e.g. L-thyroxine)
