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Ferriprox Dosage

Generic name: DEFERIPRONE 500mg
Dosage form: tablet, film coated
Drug classes: Antidotes, Chelating agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 9, 2023.

Recommended Dosage for FERRIPROX Tablets for Adult and Pediatric Patients with Transfusional Iron Overload due to Thalassemia Syndromes, Sickle Cell Disease or Other Anemias

Starting Dosage

The recommended starting oral dosage of FERRIPROX Tablets is 25 mg/kg (actual body weight), three times per day for a total of 75 mg/kg/day. Round dose to the nearest 250 mg (half-tablet).

Table 1a: Tablet requirement to achieve a 25 mg/kg dose (rounded to the nearest half-tablet) for administration three times a day.
Body Weight
(kg)		 Dose (mg) Number of 500 mg tablets
20 500 1
30 750 1.5
40 1,000 2
50 1,250 2.5
60 1,500 3
70 1,750 3.5
80 2,000 4
90 2,250 4.5

To minimize gastrointestinal upset when first starting therapy, dosing can start at 45 mg/kg/day and increase weekly by 15 mg/kg/day increments until the full prescribed dose is achieved.

Dosage Adjustments

Tailor dosage adjustments to the individual patient's response and therapeutic goals (maintenance or reduction of body iron burden). The maximum oral dosagee is 33 mg/kg (actual body weight), three times per day for a total of 99 mg/kg/day.

Table 1b: Tablet requirement to achieve a 33 mg/kg dose (rounded to the nearest half-tablet) for administration three times a day.
Body Weight
(kg)		 Dose (mg) Number of 500 mg tablets
20 660 1.5
30 990 2
40 1,320 2.5
50 1,650 3.5
60 1,980 4
70 2,310 4.5
80 2,640 5.5
90 2,970 6

For patients who have trouble swallowing tablets, consider the use of FERRIPROX Oral Solution (see the prescribing information for FERRIPROX Oral Solution).

Monitoring Ferritin Levels to Assess Efficacy

Monitor serum ferritin concentration every two to three months to assess the effect of FERRIPROX on body iron stores. If the serum ferritin is consistently below 500 mcg/L, consider temporarily interrupting FERRIPROX therapy until serum ferritin rises above 500 mcg/L.

Dosage Modification for Drug Interactions

Allow at least a 4-hour interval between administration of FERRIPROX and other drugs or supplements containing polyvalent cations such as iron, aluminum, or zinc [see Drug Interactions (7.2), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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