<prompt> Indication for intramuscular iron therapy?PregnancyPostpartum periodEmergency surgeryOral iron intolerance  <response>: Ans. d Oral iron intolerance. Ref. KDT, Pharmacology, 6thpg.584IRON THERAPY Some iron preparations come with other compounds designed to enhance iron absorption, such as ascorbic acid, Typically, for iron replacement therapy, up to 300 mg of elemental iron per day is given, usually as three or four iron tablets each containing 50-65 mg elemental iron given over the course of the day. Ideally, oral iron preparations should be taken on an empty stomach, since foods may inhibit iron absorption. A dose of 200-300 mg of elemental iron per day should result in the absorption of iron up to 50 mgd. The goal of therapy in individuals with iron-deficiency anemia is not only to repair the anemia, but also to provide stores of at least 0.5-1.0 g of iron. Sustained treatment for a period of 6-12 months after correction of the anemia will be necessary to achieve this. Of the complications of oral iron therapy, gastrointestinal distress is the most prominent and is seen in 15-20 of patients. Typically, the reticulocyte count should begin to increase within 4-7 days after initiation of therapy and peak at 1 12 weeks. The amount of iron needed by an individual patient is calculated by the following formula:Iron requirement mg 4.4 X bidt wt kg X Hb defucut gdLIndications of parenteral Iron therapy Oral iron intolerance Failure to absorb oral iron Non-compliance to oral therapy In presence of severe anemia with bleeding.Oral Iron preparationsIron contentFerrous sulfate Hydrated salt20Dried salt32-35Ferrous gluconate12Ferrous fumarate, succinate33Colloidal ferric hydroxide50Iron-calcium complex5 Iron therapy:Dosage ---200mg elemental iron per dayRise of Hb ---0.5-lgm per week1st sign of response --- Apetite, fatigue within 12-24 hrs Reticulocytosis 3-4th DayIndication of Blood transfusion---Hb 7gm or CCFDuration of iron tablets ---At least 100 days after correction of Hb 