DEFEROXAMINE SUMMARY
Deferoxamine
Mesylate
for Injection, USP
Deferoxamine mesylate for injection, USP, is an iron-chelating agent, available in vials for intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intravenous administration.
Deferoxamine mesylate for injection is indicated for the treatment of acute iron intoxication and of chronic iron overload due to transfusion-dependent anemias.
Acute Iron Intoxication
Deferoxamine mesylate is an adjunct to, and not a substitute for, standard measures used in treating acute iron intoxication, which may include the following: induction of emesis with syrup of ipecac; gastric lavage; suction and maintenance of a clear airway; control of shock with intravenous fluids, blood, oxygen, and vasopressors; and correction of acidosis.
Chronic Iron Overload
Deferoxamine mesylate can promote iron excretion in patients with secondary iron overload from multiple transfusions (as may occur in the treatment of some chronic anemias, including thalassemia). Long-term therapy with deferoxamine mesylate slows accumulation of hepatic iron and retards or eliminates progression of hepatic fibrosis.
Iron mobilization with deferoxamine mesylate is relatively poor in patients under the age of 3 years with relatively little iron overload. The drug should ordinarily not be given to such patients unless significant iron mobilization (e.g., 1 mg or more of iron per day) can be demonstrated.
Deferoxamine mesylate is not indicated for the treatment of primary hemochromatosis, since phlebotomy is the method of choice for removing excess iron in this disorder.
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