Haematinics and Erythropoietin

HAEMATINICS

Haematinics These are substances required in the formation of blood, and are used for treatment of anaemias.

Anaemia occurs when the balance between production and destruction of RBCs is disturbed by:

a) Blood loss (acute or chronic)

b) Impaired red cell formation due to:

·Deficiency of essential factors, i.e. iron, vitamin B12, folic acid.

·Bone marrow depression (hypoplastic anaemia), erythropoietin deficiency.

c) Increased destruction of RBCs (haemolytic anaemia)

In this chapter essential factors required for normal formation or pigmentation of RBCs will be covered.