Table 2.

Precautions to be taken during parenteral iron therapy

1. History of prior adverse reactions, asthma or atopy should be enquired

2. IV iron should only be administered in a hospitalised patient or in a day care centre

3. The patient should have an IV cannula in place with all the monitoring and resuscitative equipment available

4. It is preferable to administer iron sucrose as IV infusion. (Rate of infusion: 4 mg/kg/h, with about 8–10 drops for the initial 3–4 min)

5. Appropriate monitoring of vitals and watchful expectancy for ADR must be ensured

6. If any ADR appear, the infusion should be stopped and appropriate measures instituted