About deferoxamine mesylate
Iron-chelating agent
Used for
- Treats acute iron poisoning.
- Treats chronic iron overload, including from repeated blood transfusions.
- Can treat aluminum overload in people receiving dialysis.
Usual adult dose
Iron overload: usually 500–1,000 mg by slow infusion under specialist supervision, adjusted to response. Acute poisoning: hospital treatment with continuous intravenous infusion.
Usual dose in children
Used in children; doses are based on body weight and condition, under specialist supervision.
Common side effects
- Injection-site pain, swelling, or redness
- Low blood pressure, dizziness, or flushing
- Vision or hearing changes
- Allergic reactions, including breathing difficulty
Important warnings
- Use only with medical supervision; rapid infusion can cause severe low blood pressure.
- Long-term treatment can affect vision, hearing, growth, or bone development.
- May increase risk of serious infections, including Yersinia and mucormycosis.
- Kidney problems and breathing complications can occur.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed; safety information is limited, and untreated iron overload also poses risks.
Breastfeeding
Information is limited; discuss use with a healthcare professional, especially when treating an infant.
Interactions
- Vitamin C can increase iron excretion but may increase heart-related risks; use only if prescribed.
- Avoid combining with prochlorperazine, which may cause impaired consciousness.
- Deferoxamine can interfere with gallium-68 imaging and certain laboratory tests.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.