Ingredients of Floradix
For Floradix® to act as an iron donor, the liquid must contain iron. It is present as a so-called iron salt, as iron(II)-gluconate. The iron ions are released by the absorption and digestion of the liquid and can be absorbed through the intestines and distributed through the bloodstream.
In addition to the primary active ingredient iron, Floradix® also contains other substances such as ascorbic acid, i.e. vitamin C. An extract from a mixture of various herbs, fruits and roots adds further nutrients to the liquid. Since many juice concentrates and fructose syrup are contained, people with a fructose intolerance should avoid taking them. In any case, the intake of Floradix® should be discussed with the treating physician (usually family doctor)! Diabetics should also pay attention to the sugar content of the medicine: 15 ml corresponds to 0.3 BE.
Contraindications
Floradix® should not be taken if there is already sufficient iron in the body or if an iron accumulation, an accumulation of the substance, has formed. If there is a disturbance in iron utilization, taking Floradix® is not a remedy for iron deficiency. Likewise, the list of all ingredients should be searched for possible intolerances and allergens.
Although Floradix® is freely available, a doctor must be consulted beforehand, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Even if these circumstances do not apply, consultation with the family doctor is still recommended. In case of too strong side effects or interactions with other medications, the intake of Floradix® should be stopped, as well as in case of an overdose with symptoms of poisoning.
Side effects
Side effects may occur when taking Floradix®. How strong the side effects are and what the final effect is can vary from person to person. In most cases, gastrointestinal complaints dominate, in the form of a feeling of fullness, constipation and stomach pressure.
In addition, the stool may become dark to black in color. This is not an alarming sign, as is usually the case in medicine, but is due to the intake of large amounts of iron. If the dark stool (also called “tarry stool” in case of blood in the stool) is accompanied by other untypical symptoms, a doctor should be consulted.
A possible bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract can be ruled out by means of a stool test. Drinking the liquid may cause slight discoloration of the teeth, but this can be avoided by regular dental care. In addition to the general side effects, there may also be interactions with other drugs.
The absorption of the iron salts contained in Floradix® often leads to a reduced absorption (absorption in the intestine) of other drugs. These include various antibiotics (tetracyclines, penicillamines, quinolone antibiotics), Parkinson’s drugs (levodopa and methyldopa) and thyroid medication in cases of existing hypofunction (thyroxine). Additional dietary supplements containing calcium or magnesium can reduce the absorption of iron in the intestine.
Dairy products, black and green tea and coffee can also cause a similar reduction. The patient should therefore consume these substances separately from other foods.If, in addition to taking Floradix®, certain painkillers (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used, the negative effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa may increase. The increased irritation can be triggered by common drugs such as ASS (Aspirin®), ibuprofen or diclofenac.
