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Maltofer Syrup: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Maltofer Syrup (Iron (III) Hydroxide Polymaltose Complex) ke quick uses, dose guide, side effects, warnings, aur buying price range.

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated:

OTC

Form

SYRUP

Strength

50mg/5ml

Manufacturer

Vifor Pharma (distributed by The Searle Company Pakistan)

Estimated price

Rs. 282 - 300

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What is Maltofer Syrup used for?

  • Treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in adults, children, and pregnant women
  • Prevention of iron deficiency during pregnancy and lactation
  • Correction of iron deficiency states without overt anaemia
Read full Uses guide →

How to take Maltofer Syrup?

Adult dose: As prescribed — typically 10ml (100mg elemental iron) once daily with meals

Child dose: Weight-based dose as directed by a doctor

Read full Dosage guide →

Common side effects

  • Dark-coloured stools (harmless discolouration from iron)
  • Nausea or stomach discomfort
  • Constipation or diarrhoea
Read full Side Effects guide →

Important warnings

  • Don't use Maltofer Syrup if you are allergic to iron polymaltose or any ingredient
  • Do not use if you have haemochromatosis or other iron overload conditions
  • Do not use for anaemia not caused by iron deficiency without medical investigation

Maltofer Syrup Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

FieldDetails
Brand NameMaltofer
Generic NameIron (III) Hydroxide Polymaltose Complex
Strength50mg elemental iron per 5ml
FormSyrup
Drug ClassIron Supplement
ManufacturerVifor Pharma (distributed by The Searle Company Pakistan)
PrescriptionOTC
PriceRs. 282 - 300 approx (120ml)
Packaging120ml bottle

2. What is Maltofer Syrup? (Maltofer Syrup kya hai)

Maltofer Syrup is an oral iron supplement manufactured by Vifor Pharma and distributed in Pakistan by The Searle Company. It contains iron in the form of Iron (III) Hydroxide Polymaltose Complex, which is a non-ionic, stable iron compound. Unlike traditional ionic iron salts (such as ferrous sulphate), Maltofer's polymaltose formulation is absorbed only on demand, which means it is gentler on the stomach and less likely to cause the gastrointestinal side effects associated with conventional iron supplements. It is widely used in Pakistan for iron deficiency anaemia in adults, children, and pregnant women.

3. Uses (Fayde / Kis kaam aati hai)

  • Treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in adults, children, and pregnant women
  • Prevention of iron deficiency during pregnancy and lactation
  • Correction of iron deficiency states without overt anaemia

4. Who Should Take (Kis ko leni chahiye)

  • Adults with confirmed iron deficiency anaemia (low haemoglobin, low serum ferritin)
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women with iron deficiency as prescribed by their doctor
  • Children with iron deficiency as directed by a paediatrician
  • Individuals with dietary iron deficiency (vegetarians, those with restricted diets)

5. When NOT to Take (Kab nahi leni chahiye)

  • If you are allergic to iron polymaltose or any ingredient in the formulation
  • If you have haemochromatosis or any other iron overload condition
  • For anaemia not caused by iron deficiency — rule out other causes with a doctor first

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

  • As prescribed — typically 10ml (100mg iron) once daily with food
  • Adults with iron deficiency anaemia: 10–20ml daily (as prescribed)
  • Pregnant women: 10ml daily or as prescribed
  • Do not exceed the prescribed dose; excess iron accumulates and is harmful
  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is close, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.

7. How to Take (Kaise leni hai)

  • Take Maltofer Syrup with or just after meals to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset
  • The syrup can be mixed with fruit juice, water, or food for children
  • Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to ensure the correct dose
  • Shake the bottle well before each use

8. Best Time (Kab leni chahiye)

  • Take with a main meal for best absorption
  • Same time every day to build a consistent supplement habit

9. Empty Stomach or After Food (Khali pait ya khane ke baad)

Maltofer Syrup is best taken with or just after food. Unlike ionic iron salts, Maltofer can also be taken on an empty stomach with less gastrointestinal discomfort, but taking it with food is recommended for optimal absorption.

10. Warnings (Ihtiyat)

  • Don't use Maltofer Syrup if you are allergic to iron polymaltose or any ingredient
  • Do not use in iron overload conditions such as haemochromatosis
  • Confirm the cause of anaemia with a doctor before starting iron therapy

11. Precautions (Ahm ehtiyaat)

  • Store below 25°C, protect from light
  • Keep the bottle tightly closed
  • Keep out of the reach of children

12. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

  • Dark-coloured stools (harmless), nausea or stomach discomfort, constipation or diarrhoea
  • Severe allergic reaction (rare), signs of iron overload with prolonged excessive dosing, severe gastrointestinal pain

13. Drug Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)

  • Absorption is reduced by antacids and tetracycline antibiotics — separate doses by at least 2 hours
  • May reduce absorption of fluoroquinolone antibiotics — separate by at least 2 hours
  • Do not combine with other iron supplements to avoid iron overload

14. When to See Doctor (Kab doctor ke paas jayein)

  • Severe abdominal pain or vomiting
  • Signs of allergic reaction (rash, difficulty breathing, swelling)
  • No improvement in symptoms after 4 weeks of consistent iron therapy
  • Symptoms of iron overload: joint pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, skin colour changes

15. Alternatives (Sasti Dusri Dawaein)

Brand NameCompanySalt (Generic)
SangobionPfizer PakistanIron + Vitamins
FersolateVariousFerrous Sulphate
FeroseVariousFerrous Gluconate

16. Price in Pakistan (Price kitni hai)

Pack SizePrice (Approx)
120ml bottleRs. 282 - 300 approx

(Note: Price depends on the pharmacy and pack size.)

17. FAQs (Aksar poochay jane walay sawalat)

Q: Maltofer Syrup kis kaam aata hai?

A: Maltofer Syrup is used to treat iron deficiency anaemia and to prevent iron deficiency during pregnancy and lactation. It provides iron in a gentle, non-ionic form that is easier on the stomach than traditional iron salts.

Q: Maltofer Syrup ki dose kya hai?

A: The dose of Maltofer Syrup depends on your condition and is set by your doctor. For adults with iron deficiency anaemia, the typical dose is 10ml (100mg iron) once daily with a meal.

Q: Pakistan mein Maltofer Syrup ki price kitni hai?

A: Maltofer Syrup (120ml) is available in Pakistan for approximately Rs. 282 to Rs. 300. Prices may vary slightly by pharmacy.

Q: Pregnancy mein Maltofer safe hai?

A: Maltofer Syrup is considered safe during pregnancy and is frequently prescribed for pregnancy-related iron deficiency anaemia. Always use under your doctor's guidance.

Q: Maltofer ke nuksanat kya hain?

A: Common side effects include dark-coloured stools, nausea, and constipation. These are usually mild. Dark stools are harmless and expected with iron therapy.

18. Medical Review (Medical jaiza)

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-21

19. Disclaimer (Zaroori tanbeeh)

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.

Brand alternatives, same-class options, and other medicines used for the same conditions as Maltofer Syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Maltofer Syrup kis kaam aata hai?

Maltofer Syrup is used to treat iron deficiency anaemia and to prevent iron deficiency during pregnancy and lactation. It provides iron in a gentle, non-ionic form that is easier on the stomach than traditional iron salts.

Maltofer Syrup ki dose kya hai?

The dose of Maltofer Syrup depends on your condition and is set by your doctor. For adults with iron deficiency anaemia, the typical dose is 10ml (100mg iron) once daily with a meal.

Pakistan mein Maltofer Syrup ki price kitni hai?

Maltofer Syrup (120ml) is available in Pakistan for approximately Rs. 282 to Rs. 300. Prices may vary slightly by pharmacy.

Pregnancy mein Maltofer safe hai?

Maltofer Syrup is considered safe during pregnancy and is frequently prescribed for pregnancy-related iron deficiency anaemia. Always use under your doctor's guidance.

Maltofer ke nuksanat kya hain?

Common side effects include dark-coloured stools, nausea, and constipation. These are usually mild. Dark stools are harmless and expected with iron therapy.

Sources

  1. DRAP Registered Products Database Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan
  2. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 23rd ed. (2023) World Health Organization
  3. British National Formulary (BNF) BMJ Group & Pharmaceutical Press

Medical disclaimer

This page is for educational use only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always confirm diagnosis, dose, and interactions with a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medicine.