Deferoxamine Dosage
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 1, 2022.
Applies to the following strengths: 500 mg; 2 g
Usual Adult Dose for:
Usual Pediatric Dose for:
Additional dosage information:
Usual Adult Dose for Iron Poisoning - Acute
Initial dose: 1000 mg, IM or IV (maximum IV rate: 15 mg/kg/hour)
Maintenance dose: 500 mg, IM or IV, every 4 hours, for 2 doses; additional 500 mg doses every 4 to 12 hours may be given based on clinical response
Maximum dose: 6000 mg per 24 hour period
Comments:
- IM administration is preferred for all patients not in shock.
- Slow IV administration should only be used for cardiovascular collapse.
- As soon as the clinical condition allows, discontinue IV and switch to IM administration.
- This drug is an adjunct to, not a substitute for, standard treatment for acute iron intoxication (e.g. inducing emesis, gastric lavage)
Use: Acute iron poisoning
Usual Adult Dose for Iron Poisoning - Chronic
1000 to 2000 mg, subcutaneously over 8 to 24 hours, daily
or
40 to 50 mg/kg/day, IV over 8 to 12 hours (maximum IV rate: 15 mg/kg/hour), 5 to 7 days per week
Maximum IV dose: 60 mg/kg/day
or
500 to 1000 mg, IM,
Maximum IM dose: 1000 mg/day
Comments:
- Subcutaneous administration is recommended.
- Intravenous administration can be used in patients with intravenous access.
Use: Chronic iron overload
Usual Pediatric Dose for Iron Poisoning - Acute
3 years and older:
Initial dose: 1000 mg, IM or IV (maximum IV rate: 15 mg/kg/hour)
Maintenance dose: 500 mg, IM or IV, every 4 hours, for 2 doses; additional 500 mg doses every 4 to 12 hours may be given based on clinical response
Maximum dose: 6000 mg per 24 hour period
Comments:
- IM administration is preferred for all patients not in shock.
- Slow IV administration should only be used for cardiovascular collapse.
- As soon as the clinical condition allows, discontinue IV and switch to IM administration.
- This drug is an adjunct to, not a substitute for, standard treatment for acute iron intoxication (e.g. inducing emesis, gastric lavage)
Use: Acute iron poisoning
Usual Pediatric Dose for Iron Poisoning - Chronic
3 years and older:
1000 to 2000 mg, subcutaneously over 8 to 24 hours, daily
or
20 to 40 mg/kg/day, IV over 8 to 12 hours (maximum IV rate: 15 mg/kg/hour), 5 to 7 days per week
Maximum IV dose: 40 mg/kg/day (until growth has ceased)
or
500 to 1000 mg, IM,
Maximum IM dose: 1000 mg/day
Comments:
- Monitor for body weight and growth every 3 months.
- Subcutaneous administration is recommended.
- Intravenous administration can be used in patients with intravenous access.
Use: Chronic iron overload
Renal Dose Adjustments
Contraindicated in severe renal impairment
Liver Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Dose Adjustments
Chronic Iron Overload:
- Poorly compliant patients can receive their IV dose prior to or following same day blood transfusion.
- Do not administer concomitantly with blood transfusion: errors in interpreting side effects can occur.
Precautions
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 3 years.
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Deferoxamine is dialyzable; however, no dose adjustment guidelines have been reported.
Other Comments
Administration advice:
- Administer immediately (starting within 3 hours) after reconstitution.
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