Deferoxamine Mesylate

Generic Details

Generic Name

Deferoxamine-mesylate

Other Names

  • Desferal
  • Desferrioxamin-mesylate

Drug Class

  • Iron chelator

Chemical Formula

C25H48N6O8S

Molecular Weight

600.77 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Binds iron and forms a stable complex that is excreted via urine, reducing iron overload

Indications

  • Treatment of acute iron or aluminum poisoning
  • Chronic iron overload due to blood transfusions

Common Dosage Forms

  • Injection
  • Infusion

Typical Dosage

  • 1 gram IV over 8-12 hours daily

Pediatric Dosage

  • Dosing based on weight, usually 15 mg/kg IV every 8-12 hours

Geriatric Dosage

  • May require lower doses due to decreased kidney function

Side Effects

  • Hypotension
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Allergic reactions
  • GI upset

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to the drug

Pregnancy Category

  • Category C - Risk cannot be ruled out

Lactation Safety

  • Limited data available, consult healthcare provider

Drug Interactions

  • Concurrent use with other nephrotoxic drugs may increase risk of kidney damage

Overdose Symptoms

  • Severe hypotension
  • Coma
  • Convulsions

Antidote for Overdose

  • Supportive care and symptom management

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Not absorbed orally, administered parenterally
  • Distribution: Distributed mainly in extracellular fluid
  • Metabolism: Not extensively metabolized
  • Excretion: Primarily excreted unchanged in urine

Precautions

  • Monitor for signs of hypotension during infusion
  • Regular monitoring of serum ferritin levels

Warnings

  • May cause severe allergic reactions, administer under medical supervision

Others

  • Consider testing for auditory and visual toxicity during long-term use.