Maltofer Chewable Tablet

Maltofer Chewable Tablet is an oral iron replacement product formulated with iron(III)-hydroxide polymaltose complex (IPC), providing 100mg of elemental iron in a chocolate-flavoured chewable tablet. It belongs to the hematinic (iron supplement) product class and is manufactured by Vifor Pharma. Each pack of Maltofer Chewable Tablet contains 30 tablets.

Unlike traditional ferrous salt iron tablets (such as ferrous sulfate or ferrous fumarate), Maltofer uses a non-ionic iron polymaltose complex structure. It is presented as a chewable tablet that can be chewed, sucked, or swallowed whole, and can also be crushed and mixed with a small amount of food or a soft drink for people who have difficulty chewing tablets. This distinguishes it from iron drops or liquid formulations of the same brand.

Maltofer Chewable Tablet is sold in Malaysia as an OTC (Over-the-Counter) product, meaning it can be purchased at a pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription. It is intended for use by adults and children over 12 years of age, and pharmacist guidance is recommended when choosing the appropriate strength and duration of use.

Maltofer Chewable Tablet is taken by mouth. The tablet may be chewed thoroughly, allowed to dissolve slowly in the mouth, or swallowed whole with a small amount of liquid. It should be taken during or immediately after a meal to reduce the likelihood of stomach discomfort.

For those who find it difficult to chew a whole tablet, it can be crushed and stirred into a small amount of baby food, cereal, or fruit juice immediately before it is given. Maltofer should not be taken at the same time as tea, coffee, milk, calcium supplements, or antacid products, as these may reduce iron absorption; it is generally recommended to separate these by at least two hours. Do not use Maltofer Chewable Tablet together with other iron-containing products or multivitamins that also contain iron unless a pharmacist or doctor has confirmed this is appropriate, as this can lead to excess iron intake.

For iron deficiency without anaemia, the typical adult and adolescent (over 12 years) dose is one tablet (100mg elemental iron) once daily, generally for one to two months. For iron deficiency anaemia, the typical dose is one to three tablets (100-300mg) daily, usually continued for three to five months, followed by a lower maintenance dose of one tablet daily to help replenish iron stores. During pregnancy, a healthcare provider may recommend two to three tablets daily for iron deficiency anaemia. These figures are general guidance only — always follow the dose printed on the pack or as advised by a doctor or pharmacist, since the exact dose depends on the severity of iron deficiency and individual blood test results.

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered; if it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped rather than doubling up. Maltofer Chewable Tablet is not intended for long-term use without medical supervision — a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted if there is no improvement after several weeks of regular use, or if new symptoms such as severe stomach pain, black tarry stools beyond the expected iron-related stool darkening, or signs of an allergic reaction occur.

Use Maltofer Chewable Tablet before the expiry date printed on the pack or blister strip. Do not use the product past this date.

Store Maltofer Chewable Tablet below 30°C, in a dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, in its original packaging. Keep the tablets out of the sight and reach of children, as iron tablets can resemble sweets and iron overdose in young children is a recognised medical emergency.

• Common: Darkening or discolouration of the stools, which is an expected and harmless effect of the iron content.
• Common: Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, abdominal distension, dyspepsia, or a feeling of fullness.
• Common: Constipation or, less often, diarrhoea.
• Common: Temporary staining of the teeth if the tablet is chewed and not rinsed away afterwards.
• Serious: Signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing — seek medical attention immediately if these occur.
• Serious: Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or drowsiness, which may indicate iron intake in excess of the recommended amount.

• Known hypersensitivity to iron(III)-hydroxide polymaltose complex or any excipient in the tablet.
• Iron overload conditions, such as haemochromatosis or haemosiderosis.
• Disturbances in iron utilisation, including sideroblastic anaemia and lead-induced anaemia.
• Anaemias that are not caused by iron deficiency, such as haemolytic anaemia, unless iron deficiency has also been confirmed.

• Taking Maltofer together with oral tetracycline or fluoroquinolone antibiotics can reduce the absorption of both the antibiotic and the iron; these should be taken at least two hours apart.
• Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium hydroxide, if taken close to the same time as Maltofer, may reduce iron absorption — space doses at least two hours apart.
• Maltofer may reduce the absorption of levothyroxine, penicillamine, and certain bisphosphonate medicines if taken at the same time; these should be separated by several hours.
• Tea, coffee, and dairy products consumed close to the time of dosing may reduce iron absorption from the tablet.
• Do not take Maltofer at the same time as other iron-containing supplements or multivitamins unless advised by a pharmacist or doctor, to avoid excessive iron intake.

• Chew the tablet thoroughly or let it dissolve slowly in the mouth rather than swallowing it whole where possible.
• Take the tablet with or right after a meal to reduce the chance of stomach upset.
• Rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after chewing, since iron products can temporarily stain teeth.
• Keep the pack in a place children cannot reach, as the tablets can be mistaken for sweets.
• Keep track of how long you have been taking Maltofer, and follow up with a pharmacist or doctor for blood tests if it is being used for more than a few months.
• Check with a pharmacist before combining Maltofer with any other iron or multivitamin product.

Precautions: Maltofer Chewable Tablet should be used with caution in people with a history of gastrointestinal disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease or peptic ulcer, and in those taking other iron-containing products. Anyone with a known blood disorder should confirm with a doctor that iron deficiency has actually been diagnosed before starting supplementation, since taking iron when it is not needed can be harmful. Keep out of reach of children at all times, as accidental ingestion of iron tablets can be dangerous.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Speak with a doctor or pharmacist before starting Maltofer if you are pregnant, have a chronic digestive condition, or are already taking another iron or multivitamin product. Seek medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, black tarry stools that are not simply the expected darkening from iron, or any sign of an allergic reaction after taking this product.