Deferoxamine

Deferoxamine: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Deferoxamine chelates iron, and the complex is excreted in the urine.

Uses of Deferoxamine

• To remove iron from the body following poisoning (acute or chronic iron toxicity)
• Adjunctive treatment of acute cardiac ischemia, intracerebral hemorrhage, and as a chelator for aluminum and thallium toxicity

Dose of Deferoxamine in Dogs and Cats

Dogs, Cats:

Iron toxicity: 40 mg/kg i.m. q4–8h or 15 mg/kg/h slow i.v. infusion.

Side Effects of Deferoxamine in Dogs and Cats

• Administration i.m. is painful.
• Anaphylactic reactions and hypotension may develop if administered rapidly i.v.

Contraindications of Deferoxamine in Dogs and Cats

• Avoid in severe renal disease.

Some Notes:

• There are some potential risks of interaction between Deferoxamine and these drugs:
  Prochlorperazine: This may cause temporary impairment of consciousness.
  Vitamin C: May be synergistic with DFO in removing iron, and vitamin C deficiency is common in humans with iron overload. However, concurrent use could lead to increased tissue iron toxicity, especially in cardiac muscle; it should be used cautiously, particularly in patients with preexisting cardiac disease.