What is Anemia?
Anemia is a symptom that refers to a lower than normal red blood cell count and hemoglobin content in a given volume of blood, with low hemoglobin content being the most important factor.
According to the World Health Organization, about 3 billion people worldwide suffer from varying degrees of anemia, with millions of deaths each year due to anemia-related diseases. The prevalence of anemia in China is higher than in Western countries, and among those with anemia, females have a higher prevalence than males, and the elderly and children have a higher prevalence than middle-aged and young adults.
About 30% to 40% of infants and young children have anemia, mainly due to the chain reaction caused by maternal anemia. The incidence of anemia in females is 64.4%, which is related to the dual demand of menstruation, pregnancy, and the fetus for blood-producing substances, as well as postpartum bleeding. In the past, the main cause of anemia was malnutrition. In recent years, anemia has also been caused by nutritional imbalance due to weight loss. Therefore, women should pay attention to anemia from various aspects.
Blood, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and oxygen are the "four great kings" that play important roles in the occurrence and development of anemia and are interrelated. Anemia is mainly divided into three types: iron deficiency anemia, macrocytic anemia, and other types. Now that we know the classification of anemia, what are the commonly used drugs for anemia? Let me introduce them to you below.
Commonly Used Medications for Anemia
(1) Iron Deficiency Anemia:
Since iron is an essential raw material for the production of hemoglobin (i.e. heme), a lack of iron can lead to a reduction in hemoglobin and the formation of anemia. For iron deficiency anemia, commonly used blood supplements include the following: Ferrous sulfate tablets are divalent iron that is easily absorbed and has significant therapeutic effects. If taken with gastric protein enzyme preparations and vitamin C, it promotes absorption. However, when used with tetracycline drugs, it can form complexes and hinder absorption. Generally, it is taken after meals to reduce irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, but it can still cause stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and occasionally constipation. After taking the medication, the stool may appear dark due to the excretion of some iron in the feces. During the medication, it is not advisable to drink tea, coffee, or consume olives and other foods, as the tannic acid contained in them can form precipitates with iron, affecting the effectiveness of the treatment.
Ferrous fumarate tablets (Rich Blood Iron tablets) are relatively easily absorbed after oral administration, have a higher iron content, act quickly, and have fewer side effects. They can be used to treat various types of iron deficiency anemia. However, they are contraindicated in individuals allergic to iron, or those with gastric ulcers, ulcerative colitis, or enteritis. Other precautions are the same as above. Ferrous ammonium citrate solution is trivalent iron, which is not as easily absorbed as ferrous sulfate tablets, but it is non-irritating and suitable for children and patients who cannot swallow tablets. Due to its low iron content, it is not suitable for patients with severe anemia. This medication is prone to deterioration when exposed to light and should be stored in a cool, dark place. After taking it, rinse the mouth or use a glass pipette to protect the teeth. It should be used with caution in patients with diarrhea.
(2) Macrocytic Anemia:
Folic acid tablets participate in the synthesis of amino acids and nucleic acids in the body, and promote the production and maturation of red blood cells in conjunction with vitamin B12, making it suitable for various types of macrocytic anemia, especially for pregnancy and infantile macrocytic anemia. When used for pernicious anemia, it needs to be used in combination with vitamin B12 to prevent and treat its neurological symptoms. Vitamin B12 injections have certain effects on bone marrow hematopoietic function and liver function.
Coenzyme vitamin B12 tablets are a new type of vitamin B12, mainly used for macrocytic anemia, malnutrition anemia, etc. They should be stored in light-tight containers. Liver extract tablets contain vitamin B12, folic acid, and other components and are used for pernicious anemia, but their effects are weaker.
(3) Other Types of Anemia:
Cobalt chloride solution can stimulate the bone marrow and promote the production of red blood cells. It is mainly used for aplastic anemia and renal anemia. It is taken after meals. Possible side effects include loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal pain.
