INTRAMUSCULARLY ADMINISTERED IRON IN THE TREATMENT OF IRON-DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

• An iron preparation was administered intramuscularly to 10 patients with hypochromic anemias, most of them caused by persistent gastrointestinal or genital bleeding. The erythrocyte counts ranged to values as low as 2,500,000 per cubic millimeter, hemoglobin as low as 3.0 gm. per 100 cc., and serum iron as low as 15 mcg. per 100 cc. The preparation used contained 50 mg. of iron per cubic centimeter. Injections were given twice daily into the gluteal area, and each injection consisted of 2 cc. of a menstruum containing altogether 100 mg. of iron. The total dose of intramuscularly given iron element ranged from 750 to 2,000 mg. The injections did not cause either local pain or systemic reactions, but did result in reticulocytosis and rise in hemoglobin level. This experience demonstrated that the desired hematinic effect of iron can be obtained without either local or general toxic effects by proper choice of dosage form.