DEFEROXAMINE

(Desferal)

Standard Prescription

deferoxamine__mg/kg/hr SC/IV continuous infusion x __hours (__mg/kg/24hr)

Dosages

Chronic Iron Overload:
20-50 mg/kg/24 hr SC/IV.
Dose should be titrated based on iron stores and urinary iron excretion.

Acute Iron Overdose:
Refer to Poison Manual.

Mechanism of Action

Iron chelator

Forms Supplied

Injection: 500 mg/vial, 2 g/vial

Comments

Begin at lower end of dosage range for younger children.

SC is the preferred route for most patients.

IV administration via PICC line may be preferred in patients with massive iron stores and significant organ damage or for patients who do not comply with SC infusions.

Most toxic effects occur from doses > 50 mg/kg.

Toxic effects include ocular and auditory abnormalities, sensorimotor neurotoxicity, changes in renal function, pulmonary toxicity and failure of linear growth in young children.

References

35

Last Edited

2019-01-20 07:42:13