Zifa TR150 mg+0.5 mg+61.8 mg

Zifa TR 150 mg+0.5 mg+61.8 mg is a combined iron, vitamin and mineral supplement indicated for the treatment and prevention (prophylaxis) of iron, folic acid and zinc deficiency. It is especially valuable during pregnancy and lactation, when the body's demand for these nutrients rises sharply to support maternal health and healthy fetal development.

This preparation is commonly used to:

• Correct and prevent iron-deficiency anaemia, the most common nutritional deficiency during pregnancy.
• Support the increased folic acid requirement needed for red blood cell formation and normal neural tube development in the growing fetus.
• Replenish zinc, an essential trace mineral required for cell growth, immune function and tissue repair.
• Provide combined micronutrient supplementation where dietary intake alone is inadequate.

Always take this medicine as directed by a registered physician.

Iron, Vitamin & Mineral Combined Preparation.

This preparation combines three complementary nutrients in a single timed-release capsule, each addressing a distinct aspect of nutritional deficiency and haematopoiesis (blood formation).

Ferrous Sulfate is a source of elemental iron, a critical component of haemoglobin in red blood cells and myoglobin in muscle. Iron enables the transport and storage of oxygen throughout the body. When iron stores are depleted, haemoglobin synthesis falls and iron-deficiency anaemia develops. Supplemental ferrous iron is absorbed mainly from the duodenum and upper jejunum, then incorporated into new haemoglobin to restore normal red cell production.

Folic Acid is a B-group vitamin (vitamin B9) essential for DNA synthesis and the maturation of red blood cells. It works alongside iron to correct anaemia and is particularly important during early pregnancy, where adequate folate reduces the risk of neural tube defects in the developing baby.

Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate supplies zinc, an essential trace element that acts as a cofactor for numerous enzymes involved in cell division, protein synthesis, immune defence, wound healing and growth. Zinc requirements increase during pregnancy, and supplementation helps maintain healthy maternal and fetal tissue development.

The timed-release (sustained-release) formulation is designed to release the active ingredients gradually along the gastrointestinal tract. This helps improve tolerability by reducing the concentration of iron and zinc at any one point, thereby lowering the likelihood of gastric irritation.

This preparation should not be used in the following situations:

• Patients with known hypersensitivity (allergy) to ferrous sulfate, folic acid, zinc sulfate or any other component of the product.
• Patients with iron overload conditions, where additional iron could be harmful.

This medicine is generally well tolerated, and the timed-release capsule is specifically designed to reduce the likelihood of stomach upset. However, some side effects may occur:

• Dark stools — a normal and harmless effect of iron therapy.
• Gastrointestinal irritation such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia (loss of appetite), abdominal discomfort, constipation and diarrhoea.
• Zinc may also occasionally cause gastrointestinal upset.
• Allergic reactions have been reported rarely.

If any side effect becomes severe, persistent or troublesome, or if signs of an allergic reaction appear, stop taking the medicine and seek medical advice promptly.

The use of any medicine during the first trimester of pregnancy should be avoided where possible. Administration of iron during the first trimester requires definite evidence of iron deficiency.

Where the diet is inadequate, supplementary zinc and folic acid is justified during the remainder of the pregnancy. Because pregnancy and breastfeeding substantially increase the demand for iron, folic acid and zinc, this combined preparation is frequently prescribed to support maternal health and healthy fetal development.

This medicine should only be used in pregnancy and lactation under the guidance and supervision of a registered physician.

Please observe the following precautions before and during treatment:

• Use with care in patients who may develop iron overload, such as those with haemochromatosis, haemolytic anaemia or red cell aplasia.
• Failure to respond to treatment may indicate other causes of anaemia and should be investigated further by a doctor.
• Iron and zinc can chelate with tetracycline; the absorption of all three agents may be impaired if taken together.
• Absorption of zinc may be reduced in the presence of iron, and absorption of iron may be impaired by penicillamine and antacids. Separate the doses by several hours to reduce these interactions.
• In patients with renal (kidney) failure, there is a potential risk of zinc accumulation.
• Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children, as accidental iron overdose can be dangerous.

Iron overdose is dangerous, particularly in children, and requires immediate medical attention.

Iron overdose management: Gastric lavage should be carried out in the early stages, or if this is not possible, vomiting should be induced — but these procedures must be avoided where signs of the corrosive effects of zinc are present. Oral desferrioxamine (2 g for a child or 5 g for an adult) and a demulcent may be given. If serum iron levels at 4 hours or more after ingestion exceed 5 mg/L in a child or 8 mg/L in an adult, or if the patient is in shock or coma, intravenous desferrioxamine should be used.

Zinc overdose management: Zinc sulfate in gross overdosage is corrosive. Symptoms are those of gastrointestinal irritation, leading in severe cases to haemorrhage, corrosion of the mucosa and possible later stricture formation. Gastric lavage or emesis (induced vomiting) should be avoided. Demulcents such as milk should be given. Chelating agents such as dimercaprol, penicillamine or edetic acid have been recommended.

Symptomatic and supportive measures should be provided as required. The timed-release capsule presentation may delay excessive absorption of iron and zinc, allowing more time to initiate appropriate counter-measures. In any suspected overdose, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Store below 30°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep the medicine in its original packaging and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.

Certain groups of patients require additional care when using this preparation:

• Children: Suitable for children aged over 1 year at 1 capsule daily. The pellets may be mixed with soft cool food but must not be chewed. Accidental overdose of iron in children is particularly dangerous, so the medicine must be stored safely out of their reach.
• Elderly: The standard adult dose applies. Monitor for gastrointestinal tolerance.
• Patients with kidney failure: Use with caution, as there is a risk of zinc accumulation.
• Patients with iron-overload disorders: Such as haemochromatosis, haemolytic anaemia or red cell aplasia — extra care is needed, and the medicine may be contraindicated.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Use under medical supervision; avoid iron in the first trimester unless deficiency is confirmed.