Desferal is indicated for: Acute iron intoxication. Chronic iron overload due to transfusion-dependent anemias. Diagnosis of aluminum overload (Desferal) infusion test. Chronic aluminum overload in patients with End-Stage Renal Failure (ESRF) under maintenance dialysis.
Deferoxamine works in treating iron toxicity by binding trivalent (ferric) iron (for which it has a strong affinity), forming ferrioxamine, a stable complex which is eliminated via the kidneys. 100 mg of deferoxamine is capable of binding approximately 8.5 mg of trivalent (ferric) iron. Deferoxamine works in treating aluminum toxicity by binding to tissue-bound aluminum to form aluminoxamine, a stable, water-soluble complex. The formation of aluminoxamine increases blood concentrations of aluminum, resulting in an increased concentration gradient between the blood and dialysate, boosting the removal of aluminum during dialysis. 100 mg of deferoxamine is capable of binding approximately 4.1 mg of aluminum.
Deferoxamine mesylate should only be given parenterally. The dose should not exceed 6.0 grams in a twenty-four hour period. Although Deferoxamine can be given by intramuscular injection, in most cases it exerts a considerably greater effect when administered by continuous infusion either intravenously (especially in cases of acute iron intoxication) or subcutaneously (especially in patients with chronic iron overload). Rapid intravenous injection of Deferoxamine exceeding 15 mg/kg/h has produced flushing of the skin, urticaria, hypotension and shock
Always consult a registered doctor before taking any medicine. This information is for general knowledge only.
Patients who are hypersensitive to deferoxamine mesylate or component of the container, except where desensitization is successful.
Concomitant use of Prochlorperazine : Concurrent treatment with Desferal and prochlorperazine, a phenothiazine derivative, may lead to temporary impairment of consciousness. Concomitant use of Vitamin C : Where an iron-overload is associated with ascorbic acid deficiency, oral administration of Vitamin C in the standard dosage (150 - 250 mg daily) may serve to enhance excretion of the iron complex in response to Desferal. Larger doses of Vitamin C fail to produce an additional effect. Concomitant use of Erythropoietin : There is evidence that aluminum intoxication causes reduced erythropoiesis. In dialysis patients with iron and/or aluminum overload receiving Desferal and erythropoietin, it is important to adjust the dosage of the latter when necessary. Regular monitoring of iron stores should also be conducted.
Therapy with Desferal should be initiated and maintained by physician experienced in the treatment of chronic iron overload due to blood transfusions. It should be noted that some of the signs and symptoms reported as adverse effects may in fact be manifestations of the underlying disease (iron and/or aluminum overload). As with all medicines, Desferal should be kept out of reach of children. Rapid intravenous injection of Desferal exceeding 15 mg/kg/h has produced flushing of the skin, urticaria, hypotension and shock Vitamin C supplements should not be given to patients with cardiac failure because impairment of cardiac function may be experienced in patients with severe chronic iron overload receiving combined treatment of Desferal with high doses of vitamin C (more than 500 mg daily)