Studies on a new intramuscular haematinic, iron-sorbitol.

A new iron preparation for intramuscular use is described. It contains a complex of iron, sorbitol and citric acid. Its properties in comparison with several other complexes, particularly iron-dextran, have been studied. The preparation is stable in serum, is hypertonic, does not produce haemolysis, and affects coagulation only at very high concentrations, such as are reached only in vitro. Absorption from muscle takes place very rapidly; two-thirds of the iron is removed within 3 hr, and there is a very rapid increase in the serum-iron concentration. In experimental animals, the maximum level is reached after about 20 min and in man after about 2 hr. Disappearance from the serum takes place rapidly. The preparation contains a small amount of a fraction which reacts with transferrin and is dialysable. In man, about 30% of the total dose of iron is excreted through the kidneys during the first 24 hr after injection, the greater part of the excretion taking place during the first few hours.