Drugs for Deficiency Anemia

Question 1

Anemia

Answer 1

Decrease in number, size, or hemoglobin content of erythrocytes (RBCs).

Question 2

Most deficiency anemias result from:

Answer 2

Low iron-most common
Low Vitamin B12
Low Folic acid

Question 3

Erythropoietin

Answer 3

stimulant of RBC production

Question 4

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Answer 4

Very little iron leaves the body via feces; most iron leaves the body via blood loss (menstrual flow and blood donation, or trauma)

when RBC low iron needs low vice versa

Question 5

Iron Deficiency Anemia

symptoms

Answer 5

Low Hemoglobin and Hematocrit (H&H)

Microcytic (small) and hypochromic (pale) RBCs
Fatigue and Pallor	
Dyspnea	
Tachycardia
Angina

Question 6

Iron Deficiency Anemia Treatments-ORAL

Answer 6

and prevent anemia in pregnancy;

Ferrous sulfate
Carbonyl iron

Question 7

Ferrous sulfate

Answer 7

absorb 3x more readily
cost effective
ON EMPTY stomach
oral
stains teeth, disrupts GI (green or black stools)

Question 8

Carbonyl iron

Answer 8

Pure elemental iron = good bioavailability
oral
reduced risk of toxicity in children

Question 9

Iron Deficiency Anemia Treatments-IV, IM

Iron dextran

Answer 9

only if oral dont work; after trauma;

could cause anaphylaxis, hypotension, skin staining

z track method; continue till hemoglobin about 15gm/dL

Question 10

Consequences of B-12 deficiency:

Answer 10

Anemia (reverses with b12 admin)

Injury to the nervous system
tingling, numbness, reduction of the deep tendon, memory loss hallucinations psychosis

Question 11

B-12 deficiency can cause:

Answer 11

GI disturbances
Impaired WBC production
Impaired platelet production

Question 12

B-12 deficiency is caused by impaired absorption:

Answer 12

Celiac disease
Regional enteritis
Antibodies against B-12
Reduced stomach acid

Question 13

Severe anemia produces peripheral and cerebral hypoxia

Answer 13

Can cause heart failure
Can cause dysrhythmias
Can cause death

Question 14

B-12 Deficiency: Treatment

Answer 14

Cyanocobalamin

Question 15

Cyanocobalamin

Answer 15

Drug of choice for B-12 deficiency
Routes: Oral, sublingual, intranasal, IM, or subQ

hypokalemia or injection site redness; lifelong therapy

Question 16

Folic Acid Deficiency

Answer 16

Poor diet (especially in ETOH)
Malabsorption secondary to intestinal disease

does not injury nervous system

Question 17

folic acid deficiency in early pregnancy can cause neural tube defects

Answer 17

Spina Bifida

Anencephaly

Question 18

Folic Acid Deficiency: Treatment

Answer 18

Folic Acid (inactive form)
fortified foods and supplements; can reverse hematologic but not neurologic deficits 

short term; determine cause and determine Tx