section name header

Pronunciation

de-fer-OX-a-meen

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: antidotes

Pharmacologic Classification: heavy metal antagonists

Indications

REMS


Action

  • Chelates unbound iron, forming a water-soluble complex (ferrioxamine) in plasma that is easily excreted by the kidneys.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Removal of excess iron. Also chelates aluminum.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Poorly absorbed after oral administration. Well absorbed after IM administration and SUBQ administration. IV administration results in complete bioavailability.

Distribution: Appears to be widely distributed.

Metabolism/Excretion: Metabolized by tissues and plasma enzymes. Unchanged drug and chelated form excreted by the kidneys; 33% of iron removed is eliminated in the feces via biliary excretion.

Half-Life: 1 hr.

Time/Action Profile

(effects on hematologic parameters)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
IVrapidunknownunknown
IMunknownunknownunknown
SUBQunknownunknownunknown





Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

CV: hypotension, tachycardia

Derm: erythema, flushing, urticaria

EENT: blurred vision, cataracts, ototoxicity

GI: abdominal pain, diarrhea

GU: red urine

Local: induration at injection site, pain at injection site

MS: leg cramps

Misc: fever, HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS), shock(after rapid IV administration)

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Route/Dosage

Acute Iron Ingestion

Chronic Iron Overload

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Lab Test Considerations:

Implementation

IV Administration:

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

US Brand Names

Desferal