Does trazodone contain iron? (+5 differences)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will delve into the composition of trazodone formulations, specifically exploring whether iron is a component. Additionally, our discussion will extend to the various formulations of trazodone available in the market and their ingredients.
Does trazodone contain iron?
No, trazodone does not contain iron. The available formulations of trazodone do not typically include iron as an active or inactive ingredient.
Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that modulates serotonin levels in the brain, aiding in the alleviation of symptoms associated with various mental disorders. It is primarily prescribed for the treatment of depression, anxiety, chronic pain in fibromyalgia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (1).
On the other hand, iron is a key component of hemoglobin. In cases of iron deficiency, healthcare professionals may recommend iron supplements to help restore iron levels (2). However, iron supplements should be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
What is the composition of trazodone formulation?
Trazodone is present in various commercially available formulations with different strengths which incorporate distinct excipients or inactive ingredients. The composition of trazodone formulations may contain the following (4,5):
| Active ingredient | Trazodone hydrochloride |
| Inactive ingredients | binders, fillers, disintegrants, diluents, lubricants, preservatives |
| Dosage form | tablets |
| Strengths | 50 mg, 100 mg or 150 mg |
These inactive ingredients or excipients play a role in stabilizing the final dosage form of the medication, but they do not have any pharmacological effects.
What is the composition of iron supplements?
The composition of iron supplements typically comprises forms of iron that are readily available and easily absorbed by the body. These supplements often incorporate various iron salts, including ferrous sulfate or ferrous gluconate, as active ingredients.
Iron supplements are commonly derived from natural resources, with the iron present sourced from minerals or ores. Additionally, iron is naturally found in various dietary sources such as kale, spinach, beetroot, and carrots (2).
What are the differences between trazodone and iron supplements?
Iron and trazodone are quite distinct in their nature, purposes, and usage. Here are key differences between iron and trazodone (1,3):
| Features | Trazodone | Iron |
| Nature | synthetic medication | chemical element (natural and synthetic sources) |
| Usage | depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, pain | iron deficiency and anemia |
| Pharmacological effects | regulate mood and behavior, alleviate pain | synthesis of hemoglobin, erythropoiesis, oxygen storage |
| Side effects | nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, headaches, | gastrointestinal discomfort, constipation, and nausea |
| Availability | only as a prescription medication | dietary supplements and in various formulations for medical use |
Does trazodone interact with iron?
Iron is not typically considered to interact with trazodone or other antidepressant medications. However, individual responses to medications can vary based on underlying health conditions and other factors.
If there are concerns about potential interactions or if someone is contemplating taking iron supplements while using trazodone, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider.
Healthcare providers may offer personalized advice, taking into account an individual’s specific health situation. They can assess potential interactions or side effects based on the medications in use and the person’s underlying health conditions.
Can you add iron to the trazodone formulation?
Combining iron with trazodone generally does not pose any problems. However, it is advisable to avoid this combination because iron plays no role in the manufacturing of trazodone formulations or in enhancing the efficacy of trazodone in the management of various mental disorders for which trazodone is typically prescribed.
Iron and trazodone serve different therapeutic purposes and have distinct indications. Iron is found in medications used to treat iron deficiency and anemia. Adequate iron levels are essential to support the continuous renewal of red blood cells in the bone marrow (3).
Iron supplements are available in various forms; however, they are typically not included in prescription medications like trazodone or other antidepressants.
In my opinion, trazodone formulations do not include iron. The commercial formulations of trazodone incorporate trazodone hydrochloride as their active ingredient. Alongside this active component, these formulations also consist of various inactive ingredients that contribute to the creation of a stable dosage form of trazodone. However, no product of trazodone contains iron.
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References
1.-
Shin JJ, Saadabadi A. Trazodone. [Updated 2022 Jul 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470560
2.-
Lal A. Iron in Health and Disease: An Update. Indian J Pediatr. 2020 Jan;87(1):58-65. doi: 10.1007/s12098-019-03054-8. Epub 2019 Sep 13. PMID: 31520313. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31520313/
3.-
Nguyen M, Tadi P. Iron Supplementation. 2023 Jul 3. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 32491308. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32491308
4.-
Brogden RN, Heel RC, Speight TM, Avery GS. Trazodone: a review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic use in depression and anxiety. Drugs. 1981 Jun;21(6):401-29. doi: 10.2165/00003495-198121060-00001. PMID: 7018873. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7018873/
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