Generic
Desferrioxamine Mesilate
1 brands available in the market
At a glance
Desferrioxamine Mesilate is an iron chelator used for the treatment of acute iron poisoning, chronic iron overload, and aluminum overload.
Description
Deferoxamine has a high affinity for ferric iron and forms chelates or stable water-soluble complexes with iron and other trivalent metal ions eg, aluminum. It removes free and bound iron from haemosiderin and ferritin, increasing the excretion of iron in urine and bile.
Indications
- Acute iron poisoning
- Chronic iron overload (transfusion-dependent anemias)
- Aluminum overload (in ESRF patients on dialysis)
Therapeutic class
Antidote preparations
Pharmacological class
Iron Chelator
Pharmacology
Deferoxamine has a high affinity for ferric iron and forms chelates or stable water-soluble complexes with iron and other trivalent metal ions eg, aluminum. It removes free and bound iron from haemosiderin and ferritin, increasing the excretion of iron in urine and bile.
Mechanism of action
Desferrioxamine binds to ferric iron, forming ferrioxamine, a stable complex that is excreted via the kidneys, eliminating iron toxicity and overload.
Dosage
Adult - Chronic iron overload: 20-60 mg/kg/day SC/IV infusion (3-7 times weekly).
Adult - Acute iron poisoning: 15 mg/kg/hr slow IV infusion (max 80 mg/kg/24hr) OR 2 g IM single dose.
Adult - Aluminum overload: 5 mg/kg once weekly (during last hour of dialysis or 5 hr before).
Administration
IM: Add 2 mL sterile water to each 500 mg vial or 8 mL to each 2 g vial. IV: Add 5 mL to each 500 mg vial or 20 mL to each 2 g vial (10% solution). Can be added to saline, glucose or Ringer's lactate for infusion.
Missed dose
Desferrioxamine is an injection medicine given by healthcare professionals. You cannot miss a dose yourself.
Side effects
Common: Rapid IV injection: Flushing, urticaria, hypotension and shock; SC/IM injection: Local pain; Prolonged SC: Pruritus, erythema and swelling; GI disorders, dysuria, fever, allergic skin rashes, tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, convulsions, leg cramps; visual disturbances, cataract formation, hearing loss; Pulmonary syndrome with high IV doses.
Precautions & warnings
Impaired renal function; may color urine reddish-brown; may exacerbate aluminum-related encephalopathy and precipitate seizure; susceptible to infection; monitor urinary excretion of iron, ophthalmological, audiological and cardiac function.
Contraindications
Severe renal disease or anuria.
Drug interactions
Phenothiazines: Increased risk of neurological symptoms.
Ascorbic acid: Improves Fe excretion but should not be given during the 1st month of deferoxamine treatment (may worsen Fe toxicity).
Gallium-67: May affect imaging results.
Food interactions
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Desferrioxamine. Please consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Desferrioxamine may be unsafe during pregnancy. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
It is not known whether Desferrioxamine is excreted in human milk. Caution is required.
Pediatric use
Pediatric acute iron poisoning: 1 g IM as a single dose.
Geriatric use
No specific dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal impairment: Use with caution. Contraindicated in severe renal disease or anuria.
Hepatic impairment: No adequate information is available.
Overdose effects
No adequate information on overdose is available. Seek medical attention.
Storage conditions
Store below 25°C.
Chemical structure
Desferrioxamine Mesilate