Brands, Medical Use, Clinical Data
Drug Category
- Iron Supplement
- Anti-anemic Agents
Dosage Forms
- Solution (for intramuscular injection)
Brands / Synonyms
Dexferrum; Dextran iron; Imferon; Infed; Proferdex
Indications
For treatment of patients with documented iron deficiency in whom oral administration is unsatisfactory or impossible. Also used to replenish body iron stores in Non-Dialysis Dependent-Chronic Kidney Disease (NDD-CKD) patients receiving or not receiving erythropoietin and in Hemodialysis Dependent (HDD-CKD) and Peritoneal Dialysis Dependent (PDD-CKD) - Chronic Kidney Disease patients receiving an erythropoietin.
Pharmacology
Iron dextran is a dark brown, slightly viscous sterile liquid complex of ferric hydroxide and dextran for intravenous or intramuscular use. It is for treatment of patients with documented iron deficiency in whom oral administration is unsatisfactory or impossible. Iron is essential to the formation of hemoglobin and to the function and formation of other heme and nonheme compounds. Untreated depletion of iron stores leads to iron-deficient erythropoiesis and, in turn, to iron deficiency anemia.
Mechanism of Action
After iron dextran is injected, the circulating iron dextran is removed from the plasma by cells of the reticuloendothelial system, which split the complex into its components of iron and dextran. The iron is immediately bound to the available protein moieties to form hemosiderin or ferritin, the physiological forms of iron, or to a lesser extent to transferrin. This iron which is subject to physiological control replenishes hemoglobin and depleted iron stores.
Absorption
The major portion of intramuscular injections of iron dextran is absorbed within 72 hours; most of the remaining iron is absorbed over the ensuing 3 to 4 weeks.
Toxicity
LD50 = 500 mg/kg (mouse, IV). Dosages of iron dextran in excess of the requirements for restoration of hemoglobin and replenishment of iron stores may lead to hemosiderosis. Cases of severe, sometimes fatal, allergic reactions (loss of consciousness, collapse, difficulty breathing, hives, swelling, or convulsions) and severe low blood pressure (hypotension) have been reported with the use of iron dextran.
Biotrnasformation / Drug Metabolism
Dextran, a polyglucose, is either metabolized or excreted.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the product. All anemi as not associated with iron deficiency.
Drug Interactions
Not Available
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