ferric hydroxide polymaltose complex

Ferric hydroxide polymaltose complex (also known as iron polymaltose complex or IPC) is an oral iron supplement used for the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. It consists of a stable macromolecular complex of polynuclear iron(III) hydroxide cores surrounded and stabilized by a polymaltose (partially hydrolyzed dextrin) shell. Unlike traditional ferrous salts (such as ferrous sulfate), which release free iron ions rapidly in the gastrointestinal tract and can cause significant oxidative stress and mucosal irritation, the non-ionic complex of ferric hydroxide polymaltose complex allows for controlled, active absorption of iron in the small intestine (primarily the duodenum and jejunum). This mechanism mimics physiological iron absorption, resulting in superior gastrointestinal tolerability, fewer side effects (such as constipation, nausea, and abdominal pain), and a lower risk of accidental toxicity or iron overload. Once absorbed, the iron is transported via transferrin to the bone marrow for hemoglobin synthesis or stored in the liver and spleen as ferritin.

Brand names

AmyloferCompironFeroseFerripel-3Ferripel3Ferripel 3Ferriton 3Ferriton3Ferriton-3Ferrum HausmannFerrum LekFersinolHaemojetHemaferMaltoferOrofer

Other names

ferric iron hydroxide polymaltose complexferric polymaltose complexiron hydroxide polymaltose complexiron polymaltose complexiron(III)-hydroxide polymaltose complexpolymaltose iron complexpolymaltose iron(III) complex