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Desferrioxamine 💊
Always check the BNF link here 📖 for up-to-date prescribing advice.
- Desferrioxamine is a chelating agent used to treat iron and aluminium overload 🧲.
⚙️ Mode of Action
- Binds free iron (ferric Fe³⁺) and aluminium to form stable, water-soluble complexes (ferrioxamine, aluminoxamine).
- These complexes are excreted in urine and bile, reducing toxic metal accumulation.
💊 Indications & Dose
| Indication | Dose / Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Iron & aluminium toxicity | 15 mg/kg/h (max 80 mg/kg/24 h) | IV infusion |
| Chronic iron overload (e.g. transfusion-dependent thalassaemia) | 20–40 mg/kg/day, up to 5–7 days per week | SC infusion (over 8–12 h) |
💡 Chelated iron produces reddish urine (“vin rosé” colour) - useful clinical clue.
⚠️ Interactions
- See BNF. Use with caution with vitamin C (high doses may ↑ risk of cardiac dysfunction when combined).
🔎 Cautions
- Rapid infusion may cause hypotension and collapse.
- Monitor for visual and auditory disturbances with prolonged use 👀👂.
- Infection risk: desferrioxamine predisposes to Yersinia and Mucormycosis 🦠.
🚫 Contraindications
- Severe renal impairment (drug excreted renally).
- Hypersensitivity to desferrioxamine.
❗ Side Effects
- Local pain at IM/SC injection site 💉.
- Hypotension if infused too rapidly.
- Acute lung injury / ARDS (rare) 🫁.
- GI upset: abdominal pain, nausea 🤢.
- Red urine due to ferrioxamine complex.
- Risk of opportunistic infections (Yersinia, mucormycosis).
📚 References
- BNF - Desferrioxamine
- WHO: Iron poisoning and chelation guidelines
📝 Revisions
- Latest update: expanded indications (acute vs chronic), added infection risk and monitoring requirements.
| The content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only to support exam preparation (e.g., MLA, MRCP, USMLE) and learning. This is NOT medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional guidance. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, official guidelines (e.g., NICE, GMC, BNF), or supervised clinical practice. Always verify information with current, authoritative sources. Makindo and its contributors accept no liability for any reliance on this content, including errors, omissions, or any resulting harm, loss, or consequences. By using this site, you agree to these terms. |
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