A comparative trial of a new, fast-release iron capsule ("Eryfer") and a slow-release tablet ('Ferro-Gradumet') in iron-deficiency anaemia.

Sixty hospitalised patients receiving treatment for tuberculosis, diabetes or chronic bronchitis and who had iron-deficiency anaemia (Hb levels less than 12.5g./100 ml.) were entered in a between-patient comparative study of a new, fast-release iron capsule ('Eryfer') and a standard slow-release iron tablet ('Ferro-Gradumet'). Patients were allocated to either drug at random and recived either 2 capsules (100 mg. elemental iron) or 1 tablet (105 mg. elemental iron) daily for 30 days. Haemoglobin levels and packed cell volume were measured before and at the end of the trial period. The results, analysed in 57 patients (28 on 'Eryfer' and 29 on the slow-release iron) indicate that treatment with 'Eryfer' produced a significantly more predictable response in haemoglobin regeneration, the response being dependent on the initial haemoglobin level. Both treatments, however, produced a highly significant increase in haemoglobin levels in the patients (mean increas: 'Eryfer' 1.09 g. and slow-release iron 0.76 g.). No side-effects were recorded with either treatment.