Ferric Carboxymaltose

Generic Details

Generic Name

Ferric Carboxymaltose

Other Names

  • Iron(III)-carboxymaltose

Drug Class

  • Iron Supplement

Chemical Formula

C₁₈H₂₄FeO₁₁

Molecular Weight

484.31 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Provides iron for hemoglobin synthesis

Indications

  • Iron deficiency anemia in adults who cannot tolerate oral iron or have not responded adequately to oral iron

Common Dosage Forms

  • Injection

Typical Dosage

  • 1000 mg IV infusion over 15 minutes up to a maximum of 15 mg/kg body weight per dose

Pediatric Dosage

  • Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients

Geriatric Dosage

  • Dose adjustment may be needed based on individual patient factors

Side Effects

  • Hypersensitivity reactions, hypotension, headache, dizziness, nausea, constipation

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to iron products, anemia not caused by iron deficiency

Pregnancy Category

  • Category C - Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus

Lactation Safety

  • Use with caution as data on excretion into breast milk is lacking

Drug Interactions

  • Avoid concurrent use with oral iron preparations as they may reduce the absorption of ferric carboxymaltose

Overdose Symptoms

  • Iron overload leading to organ damage

Antidote for Overdose

  • Deferoxamine for iron chelation therapy

Storage Conditions

  • Store at controlled room temperature between 20-25°C (68-77°F)

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Rapidly taken up by reticuloendothelial system
  • Distribution: Mainly stays in the reticuloendothelial system, some released to plasma for erythropoiesis
  • Metabolism: Metabolized to ferritin and hemosiderin for storage
  • Excretion: Primarily excreted in feces

Precautions

  • Monitor for signs of hypersensitivity reactions during administration

Warnings

  • Risk of hypotension, anaphylaxis, and iron overload with rapid infusion

Others

  • Consider the patient's weight, iron stores, and hemoglobin level when determining the dose