One tablet of Sorbifer Durules contains 100 mg Fe2+ and 60 mg vitamin C. The authors examined in a short-term study 24 haemodialyzed patients with chronic renal failure of different etiology. The investigation was divided into three parts. During the first 4 weeks the patients did not receive Fe2+ nor vitamin C. During the subsequent four weeks the patients had Sorbifer Durules, one tablet/24 hours. This period was followed by another four weeks when the patients went again without Fe2+ and vitamin C treatment. At regular intervals, i.e. on days 0, 28, 56 and 84 the authors assessed the packed cell volume, blood haemoglobin and serum iron level, the total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation, ferritin, and vitamin C in serum as well as the plasma oxalic acid level. Four weeks treatment using Sorbifer Durules led to a significant rise of the packed cell volume and haemoglobin in blood, iron and vitamin C in serum. This treatment did not affect the oxalic acid plasma level. Oral treatment with Sorbifer Durules, one tablet/24 hours, was adequate for maintaining the serum iron concentration in haemodialyzed patients during treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin. This treatment prevented at the same time the development of vitamin C deficiency in serum and a further rise of plasma oxalic acid in these patients.

Keywords: Administration, Oral; Anemia /blood/; Ascorbic Acid /administration & dosage/; Drug Combinations; Female; Ferrous Compounds /administration & dosage/; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic /blood/; Male; Middle Aged; Renal Dialysis /adverse effects/; Tablets