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^{Iron deficiency anemia}

^{Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia. In children, the deficiency is typically caused by diet. In adults, the cause should be considered to be a result of chronic blood loss until a definitive diagnosis is made.}

^{Treatment of iron deficiency anemia}

^{Ferrous salts of iron are absorbed much more readily and are generally preferred. Commonly available oral preparations include ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate and ferrous fumarate (Hemocyte). All three forms are well absorbed. Ferrous sulfate is the least expensive and most commonly used oral iron supplement.}

^{For iron replacement therapy, a dosage equivalent to 150 to 200 mg of elemental iron per day is recommended.}

^{Ferrous sulfate, 325 mg of three times a day, will provide the necessary elemental iron for replacement therapy. Hematocrit levels should show improvement within one to two months of initiation of therapy.}

Injectable iron dextran, containing 50 mg of iron per mL, is supplied in a 2-mL single-dose vial. Adverse reactions include headache, dyspnea, flushing, nausea and vomiting, fever, hypotension, seizures, urticaria, anaphylaxis and anemia, iron deficiency.