If a patient misses a dose of iron, what is the recommended action?

Taking a missed dose of iron as soon as you realize, within a specific timeframe, is the recommended action because iron supplements are most effective when taken consistently to maintain adequate levels in the body. If a dose is missed and it's within a 12-hour window, the body can still benefit from the absorption of the iron, helping to prevent deficiencies that can lead to anemia or other complications.

Iron supplements typically require regular dosing to achieve and maintain therapeutic levels, and missing a dose can disrupt this regimen. Therefore, making up the dose promptly supports continued treatment efficiency and helps maintain stable iron levels in the bloodstream, facilitating better oxygen transport and energy production within the body.

If more than 12 hours have passed since the missed dose, it is generally advised to skip it and resume the normal dosing schedule to avoid potential gastrointestinal distress associated with taking excessive amounts of iron at one time. As a result, timely action in taking a missed dose aligns with the goal of sustaining effective iron supplementation.