Analysis of hematinic preparations selling in india

To study the hematinic formulations available in Indian market according to dosage form, iron salt content, elemental iron content, frequency of administration, price and rationality. Hematinic formulations published in Indian Drug Review 2012 were classified according to the route of administration into oral (solid /liquid) and parenteral. These were further examined for rationality where the rational preparations were those which contained iron ± folic acid ± vitamin C. The cost of 100 mg - 200 mg daily dose of elemental iron in a formulation was calculated and average cost of various iron salts was compared. In the published formulations we found variation in dose, frequency of administration and price to consumer. Of the 513 formulations studied, 290 (56.53%) were oral solids, 198(38.59%) were oral liquids, and 25(4.87%) were parenteral. The formulations contained different iron salts viz. ferrous sulphate, ferrous sulphate dried, carbonyl iron, and ferrous fumarate. Out of 513 preparations, 89 (17.34%) did not contain proper concentration, and in 41(7.99%) the price was not mentioned. Out of 290 oral solid formulations 279 (96.2%) were found to be rational ,and 11 (3.7%) were irrational. Carbonyl iron was contained by 88 preparations (27.58%) and was most commonly used salt in oral solid formulations. Out of 290 oral solid, 61 (21.03%) preparations required administration >three times a day to achieve the therapeutic concentration. Average cost of the rational preparation was more than average cost of irrational preparation, except in case of parenteral preparations.