Generic Name: iron dextran (EYE urn DEX tran)
Brand Names: DexFerrum, Infed
Iron dextran is a form of the mineral iron. Iron is important for many functions in the body, especially for the transport of oxygen in the blood.
Iron dextran is used to treat iron deficiencies and iron deficiency anemia.
Iron dextran may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Before using iron dextran, tell your doctor if you have
a history of allergies or asthma;
heart disease;
rheumatoid arthritis;
You may nto be able to use iron dextran or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Iron dextran is the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether dextran will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use iron dextran without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Iron dextran passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not use iron dextran without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.Your doctor or other healthcare professional will administer the iron dextran as an injection into the vein (intravenous) or into the muscle (intramuscular).
If you are storing iron dextran at home, store the medication at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication out of the reach of children.Contact your doctor if you miss a dose or iron dextran.
Symptoms of an iron dextran injection overdose may include joint pain, chills, dizziness, fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting.
There are no restrictions regarding foods, beverages, or activities during treatment with iron dextran unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue using iron dextran and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience:
dizziness;
nausea or vomiting;
diarrhea;
fever, sweating, or chills;
soreness, pain, swelling, redness, or other reaction at the injection site;
muscle or joint pain or aches;
metallic taste in the mouth; or
headache.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Usual Adult Dose for Iron Deficiency Anemia:
25 to 100 mg (0.5 to 2 mL) IM or IV once a day. Individual doses of 100 mg (2 mL) may be given by the intermittent IM or IV route until the calculated total iron dextran requirement has been met.
Total dose infusion method: The total dose required is diluted in 250 to 1000 mL of normal saline and administered over a 2 to 6 hour period. Upon completion of the infusion, the vein should be flushed with 10 mL of normal saline.
Usual Adult Dose for Anemia Associated with Chronic Renal Failure:
25 to 100 mg (0.5 to 2 mL) IM or IV once a day. Patients with low baseline iron profiles at the beginning of epoetin alfa therapy should be supplemented with oral (preferred) or parenteral iron therapy to insure adequate erythropoiesis.
Before using iron dextran, tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines that you take, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, so that your treatment can be monitored for interactions.