Maltofer Iron Syrup for Iron Deficiency

Maltofer Syrup is used for the treatment and prevention of iron deficiency in adults and adolescents, where the use of ferrous iron supplements is not tolerated or otherwise inappropriate. Maltofer Syrup is clinically proven to treat iron deficiency.

Maltofer has less constipation and significantly reduced gastrointestinal side effects compared to ferrous iron products.

Maltofer Syrup provides a therapeutic dose of iron and can be used when ferrous iron supplements are not tolerated, or are otherwise inappropriate.

Maltofer Syrup

Where to buy

Maltofer Syrup

Maltofer Syrup contains 100mg of iron per 10mL as 370mg iron polymaltose.

Dosage Information

Maltofer Syrup contains 100mg of iron per 10mL as 370 mg iron polymaltose.

Always take Maltofer Syrup exactly as your medical practitioner or pharmacist has instructed you. You should check with them if you’re not sure.
For treatment of iron deficiency in adults and adolescents (12 years and older), take 10-20mL of syrup (100-200mg iron) daily, preferably with food.
Higher doses may be taken as directed by your medical practitioner.
For prevention of iron deficiency in adults and adolescents (12 years and older) at high risk, take 10mL of syrup (100mg iron) daily, preferably with food.
Maltofer Syrup can be mixed with fruit and vegetable juices. Any discolouration of the mixture does not affect the effectiveness of Maltofer Syrup, nor the taste of the juices.

Ingredients

Active Ingredient: 100mg iron/10mL as 370mg iron polymaltose.

Other ingredients: cream flavour, ethanol, methyl hydroxybenzoate, propyl hydroxybenzoate, water-purified, sodium hydroxide, sorbitol solution (70%) non-crystallising, and sucrose.

Is Maltofer Syrup used for iron deficiency treatment or prevention?

Both treatment and prevention.

Maltofer Syrup can be used in adults/adolescents to treat low iron or to prevent iron deficiency in adults/adolescents determined by a medical practitioner to be at high risk. Maltofer can be used where ferrous iron supplements are not tolerated, or otherwise inappropriate.

Who should NOT take Maltofer syrup?

You must not take Maltofer Syrup if:

You are allergic to iron polymaltose or any other ingredient in Maltofer Syrup. Symptoms of such an allergic reaction include:
— Skin reactions such as rash, itching, or hives
— Breathing issues such as shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
— Swelling on the face, lips, tongue, or any other part of the body
You have anaemia not caused by iron deficiency
You have too much iron in your body (iron overload), or disturbances in utilisation of iron
You are under the age of 12 years

If you are not sure if you should be taking Maltofer Syrup, talk to your medical practitioner or pharmacist.

Do I need to tell my doctor anything before I start taking Maltofer Syrup?

Yes, before you start taking Maltofer Syrup, you should inform your doctor if:

You have or have had an infection or tumour
You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant soon
You have or have had any other health problems
You are taking any other medications, prescription or non-prescription

Can I take Maltofer Syrup with food?

Maltofer Syrup should be taken with food, either during or immediately after a meal.

If you prefer, you can mix the liquid with fruit or vegetable juice. This will not affect the effectiveness of Maltofer Syrup.

What do I do if I have taken too much?

If you take too much (overdose), immediately telephone your medical practitioner. Alternatively, if you are in:

Australia – phone the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26

Otherwise, go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital, if you think you or anyone else may have taken too much Maltofer. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

If you are not sure what to do, contact your medical practitioner or pharmacist.

What do I do if I forget to take my daily dose?

Just take the next dose at the usual time. Do not try to compensate for the forgotten dose by doubling the next dose.

Maltofer is less likely to cause constipation

Most commonly used iron supplements contain iron in the form of ferrous salts (such as ferrous sulfate or ferrous fumarate).  Ferrous salts may cause unwanted side effects such as constipation, vomiting and nausea.

In fact, these side effects from ferrous salts can be so frequent, that some people may avoid taking iron supplements for this reason. Clinical trials with Maltofer have consistently shown significantly fewer gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, constipation and vomiting, than in patients taking ferrous supplements. In a study involving 80 pregnant women receiving Maltofer or ferrous sulfate, it was shown that women taking Maltofer experienced less nausea, constipation and vomiting than those taking ferrous sulfate.

Any side effect

29%

56%

Constipation

23%

Vomiting

28%

Nausea

17%

46%

Maltofer

Ferrous sulfate

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What is iron deficiency?

Iron deficiency occurs when the amount of iron absorbed by the body is insufficient.

Iron is one of the body’s essential nutrients, which is absorbed from the foods we eat. Iron is required for normal cell and organ function, as it carries oxygen around the body via haemoglobin found in red blood cells.

Learn more

If you are experiencing these symptoms,
it is important that you talk to your doctor.

Shortness of breath

Hair loss

Cold intolerance

Mental fatigue

Physical fatigue/exhaustion

Infection

Mouth ulcers

Restless legs

Paleness

Headaches

Sore tongue

Brittle nails

Learn More

Explore more

Iron deficiency in pregnancy

Unveiling the news of your pregnancy sparks a mix of excitement and concern.

Iron deficiency

Iron is one of the body’s essential nutrients, which is absorbed from the foods we eat.

Are you getting enough iron

Iron deficiency occurs when the supply of iron is not enough to meet the demands of your body.

FAQs

Commonly asked questions
on oral iron and Maltofer

Are all irons the same?

No, they are not. When taking an iron supplement, it is important to check the amount of elemental iron per dose. Many supplements containing iron have only small amounts of elemental iron per dose, often less than 24mg. These are often dietary supplements and are not intended for the treatment of iron deficiency.

If your iron causes constipation, try Maltofer. Maltofer contains 100mg of elemental iron per dose, in the form of iron polymaltose which provides an adequate amount of iron to treat iron deficiency when taken as directed. Be sure to check if your current iron supplement is delivering enough elemental iron for your needs.

Is Maltofer suitable for use in pregnancy?

If your iron causes constipation, try Maltofer. Maltofer is suitable for use in pregnancy. Maltofer has been used for over 50 years to correct iron levels in pregnant women. Clinical studies have shown that Maltofer corrects iron deficiency in pregnant women with significantly fewer gastrointestinal side effects.

Please be sure to mention to your medical practitioner or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding before you start taking Maltofer.

For more information on the importance of iron in pregnancy, please see our page on iron deficiency in pregnancy.

Does taking Maltofer with food decrease absorption?

No, not with Maltofer. In fact, iron absorption actually increases when Maltofer is taken with food.

Ferrous supplements are generally recommended to be taken on an empty stomach since some common foods can interfere with iron absorption from ferrous salts. This is true for even very simple foods, such as tea, coffee, chocolate, and milk.

Maltofer, on the other hand, can be taken at any time with food without affecting the absorption of iron. In fact, quite the opposite—studies have demonstrated that iron absorption with Maltofer actually increases when taken with food.

Is Maltofer suitable for vegans and vegetarians?

Yes, Maltofer is suitable for vegans and vegetarians as it contains no ingredients of animal origin.

Is Maltofer free from allergens?

Maltofer is lactose free, gluten free, dairy free, soy free and yeast free.