Iron (DB01592): A Comprehensive Monograph on its Pharmacology, Clinical Utility, and Safety Profile

Introduction to Iron: An Essential Element

Iron stands as a fundamental element not only in the Earth's crust but also within the intricate biological machinery of virtually all living organisms. Its unique chemical properties allow it to participate in a vast array of metabolic processes, making it indispensable for life. However, this same chemical reactivity renders it potentially toxic, necessitating a complex and tightly regulated system of absorption, transport, and storage within the body. This monograph provides a comprehensive examination of iron, identified by DrugBank ID DB01592, from its basic chemical profile to its complex pharmacology, diverse clinical applications, and extensive safety considerations. It synthesizes current knowledge to offer a detailed resource on iron's dual role as an essential nutrient and a critical therapeutic agent.

Chemical and Physical Profile

Elemental iron is a small molecule drug with the chemical symbol Fe.[1] It is unequivocally identified in scientific and regulatory databases by its Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Number 7439-89-6.[1] As a fundamental element, its molecular properties are defined by its atomic characteristics.