What drugs do anemic children take?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Master, Doctor Ngo Thi Oanh - Pediatrician - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.
Anemia will lead to lack of oxygen to the body, affecting the respiratory system and the life of the child if not treated promptly. Therefore, "what medicine do anemic children take" is a question that many parents need answers to.

1. What is anemia in children?

Anemia is a common problem for children. An anemic child does not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein that allows red blood cells to carry oxygen to other cells in the body.
There are the following types of anemia:
Iron deficiency anemia : There is not enough iron in the blood. Iron is needed to form hemoglobin. Giant cell anemia: This is when the red blood cells are too large due to a lack of folic acid or vitamin B12. One type of megaloblastic anemia is pernicious anemia. In this type, there is a problem with absorbing vitamin B12 to make red blood cells. Hemolytic anemia: When red blood cells are destroyed, it leads to hemolytic anemia. There are many different causes, such as a serious infection or certain medications. Sickle cell anemia: This is a type of hemoglobinopathy, an inherited anemia with abnormally shaped red blood cells. Thalassemia: This is another inherited form of anemia with abnormal red blood cells. Aplastic anemia: A deficiency of the bone marrow to make blood cells.

2. What causes anemia in children?

Anemia has the following main causes:
Loss of red blood cells Loss of the ability to regenerate red blood cells. Destroying red blood cells Inherited red blood cell abnormalities Infections Some medications The body doesn't get enough minerals and some vitamins in a child's diet.

3. Which children are at risk of anemia?

The following children are at high risk for anemia:
Premature birth or low birth weight Poor family living conditions Early use of cow's milk Diet low in iron, or certain vitamins or minerals Surgery or accidents blood loss Chronic diseases such as liver, kidney, infection Family history of hereditary anemia, such as sickle cell anemia.

4. What drugs do anemic children take?

4.1. Iron-containing drugs Parents who supplement iron for children with anemia can use iron-containing drugs such as: iron gluconate tablets, iron oxalate, succinate... However, use iron-containing drugs to supplement Children need the guidance of a doctor:
For iron pills to be effective, use drugs with expiry dates and good quality drugs. Iron tablets often have side effects such as constipation, nausea but do not affect the health of the baby. To avoid side effects, parents should combine with laxatives to avoid constipation for children. Combine iron pills with vitamin C for better absorption. Do not drink a lot of green tea and green fruits because there are many tannins that make it difficult to absorb iron into the body. 4.2. Vitamin B12 A vitamin B12 deficiency means that a child's body does not have enough of this vitamin. You need B12 to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen around your baby's body. Not having enough B12 can lead to anemia, where a child's body doesn't have enough red blood cells to do the job. This can make the child feel weak and tired. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage in children and affect memory and thinking.
Vitamin B12 drug, also known as cyanocobalamin, has more than 100 different brand names. The ampoules for injection are available in strengths of 100 - 500 mcg and 1000 mcg. In a child's body, vitamin B12 is found throughout the body, and they are usually in the liver and kidneys.
The amount of vitamin B12 injection you need depends on the age of the child:
Ages 1-3: Daily vitamin B12 intake 0.9 mcg (micrograms) Ages 4-8: Daily vitamin B12 intake is 1.2 mcg (micrograms) Ages 9-13: Daily vitamin B12 intake is 1.8 mcg (micrograms) Children with a lot of vitamin B12 deficiency should be given intramuscular injections of 500-1000 mcg/day, injection time from 7- 8 weeks and then maintain each month we inject children 1 time. In addition, there are many foods that contain high levels of vitamin B12, so a daily supplement for young children is recommended. Vitamin B12 is found in foods from animals, such as meat, seafood, dairy products, poultry, and eggs. It is not found in plant foods, unless it has been added to the food (fortified). Some foods like cereals are fortified with vitamin B12.
4.3. Vitamin B9 (folic acid) Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, helps the body make healthy red blood cells, which are found in some foods.
Folic acid is used to:
Treat or prevent folate deficiency anemia; help the baby's brain, skull and spinal cord develop properly; reduce side effects from methotrexate, a medicine used to treat severe arthritis, Crohn's disease, or psoriasis. Folic acid is available by prescription and in tablet or liquid form that you swallow. You can also buy lower-dose tablets from pharmacies and supermarkets. Folic acid can also be combined with ferrous fumarate and ferrous sulphate (to treat iron deficiency anemia), other vitamins and minerals.

For the treatment of anemia, the usual dose for adults and children over 1 year of age is 5mg, taken once a day, for 4 months. At times the dose can be increased to 15mg per day. If the baby is under 12 months old, the doctor will use the weight to work out the right dose.
To prevent anemia, the usual dose for children over 12 years old is 5mg, taken every 1 to 7 days. This depends on the child's age, diet, and any other health conditions the child may have. For children under 12 years of age, the doctor will use the child's age or weight to work out the right dose.
In short, anemia will lead to lack of oxygen to the body, affecting the respiratory system and the life of the child if not treated promptly. Currently, the Pediatrics Department at Vinmec International General Hospital is trusted by many parents to examine the diseases that infants and young children are susceptible to. Vinmec brings satisfaction to customers and is highly appreciated by industry experts by:
Gathering a team of leading pediatricians: including leading experts with high professional qualifications ( professor, associate professor, doctorate, master), experienced, worked at major hospitals such as Bach Mai, 108.. The doctors are well-trained, professional, have a heart - a vision. Understanding young psychology. In addition to domestic pediatric specialists, the Department of Pediatrics also has the participation of foreign experts (Japan, Singapore, Australia, USA) who are always pioneers in applying the latest and most effective treatment regimens. . Comprehensive services: In the field of Pediatrics, Vinmec provides a series of continuous medical examination and treatment services from Newborn to Pediatric and Vaccine,... according to international standards to help parents take care of their baby's health from birth to childhood. Advanced techniques: Vinmec has successfully deployed many specialized techniques to make the treatment of difficult diseases in pediatrics more effective: neurosurgery - skull, stem cell transplant blood in cancer treatment. Professional care: In addition to understanding children's psychology, Vinmec also pays special attention to the children's play space, helping them to play comfortably and get used to the hospital's environment, cooperate in treatment, improve the efficiency of medical treatment.

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