💉 Desferrioxamine (Deferoxamine) Injection 500 mg (Powder for Reconstitution)
🔹 Generic Name:
Desferrioxamine mesylate (also known as Deferoxamine)
🔹 Dosage Form & Strength:
Powder for Injection
500 mg per vial
📌 Primary Indications:
Condition
Purpose
Acute iron poisoning
Chelates excess free iron
Chronic iron overload
Common in thalassemia or other transfusion-dependent anemias
Aluminum toxicity
In dialysis patients, reduces aluminum burden
💡 Mechanism of Action:
Desferrioxamine is a chelating agent that binds free iron (Fe³⁺) or aluminum (Al³⁺) to form stable water-soluble complexes. These are then excreted via urine (iron complex) or dialysate (aluminum complex).
🧪 Preparation & Administration:
Route
Dilution & Instructions
IV infusion
Reconstitute with sterile water → dilute further in saline/dextrose → infuse slowly
IM injection
Reconstitute 500 mg with 2 mL sterile water → inject deeply into large muscle
SC infusion
Used for chronic therapy → slow continuous infusion (e.g., 8–12 hrs/day) via pump
💊 Dosing Guidelines:
Use
Typical Adult Dose
Acute iron poisoning
15 mg/kg/hr IV infusion (max 80 mg/kg/day)
Chronic iron overload
20–60 mg/kg/day SC or IV infusion over 8–12 hours
Aluminum overload
5 mg/kg IV once weekly post-dialysis
⚠️ Precautions & Monitoring:
Risk/Precaution
Monitoring
Visual/auditory toxicity
Regular eye and ear exams in long-term use
Allergic reactions
Watch for rash, hypotension, anaphylaxis
Growth retardation
In children on long-term use – monitor growth
Renal function
Especially in prolonged use or high-dose
Infection risk (Yersinia)
Desferrioxamine can promote Yersinia enterocolitica growth
🧴 Storage & Handling:
Item
Description
Unreconstituted vial
Store below 25°C, protect from light
After reconstitution
Use immediately or store in fridge <8 hrs
Incompatibility
Do not mix with other drugs in same syringe or IV line
