- What is iron dextran, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What are the uses for iron dextran?
- Iron dextran WARNING
- What are the side effects of iron dextran?
- What is the dosage for iron dextran, and where on the body is the injection given?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with this drug?
- Is thsi drug safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about this drug?
What is iron dextran, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Iron dextran is an injectable form of iron used to treat iron-deficiencyanemia, a condition in which the blood doesn't have enough healthy红细胞because of a deficiency of available iron. It is only used to treat patients who cannot be adequately treated with oraliron supplements. Iron is an important mineral and is a necessary component of red blood cells and their ability to carry oxygen. Ironsupplementsreplenish iron in the body and allow the transportation of oxygen.
What brand names are available for iron dextran injection?
INFeD, Pri-Dextra, and Dexferrum are the brand names available for this drug in the US.
Is this drug available as a generic drug?
No, iron dextran is not available in generic form.
Do I need a prescription for this drug?
Yes, you need a prescription from a doctor or other heatlh care professional for this medication.
What are the uses for iron dextran?
Iron dextran is used to treat patients withiron deficiency anemiathat cannot be adequately treated with oral ironsupplements.
Iron dextran WARNING
Serious anaphylactic-type reactions, including death, have occurred after administration of iron dextran injection. Resuscitation equipment and trained personnel should be available during administration.Patients should be given a test dose before their first dose and monitored closely by their doctor. However, fatal reactions have followed the test dose of iron dextran injection. Fatal reactions have also occurred even when the test dose was tolerated. The risk of experiencingallergictype side effects may be higher in patients who haveallergiesto otherdrugs.
Large doses may cause delayed (1-2 days) adverse reactions such as:
The reactions start 24-48 hours after administration and symptoms generally subside within 3-4 days.
Iron dextran should be used cautiously in people withliver diseaseand should not be used by people with kidney infections.![](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/quiz/blood-and-bleeding-disorders/s3.jpg)
QUESTION
Sickle cell disease is named after a farming tool.See AnswerWhat are the side effects of iron dextran?
Common side effects include:
- Loose stools(diarrhea)
- Headache
- Cramps
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach
- Change in taste
- Painand irritation or swelling where the injection was given
Other possible side effects include:
- Itching
- Rash
- Skin
- Reactions
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Decreased white blood cell count
- Chest pain
- Low blood pressure
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
- Slow heartbeat
- Flushing
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Seizures
- Breathingproblems
- Fever
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What is the dosage for iron dextran, and where on the body is the injection given?
Iron dextran is injected into a vein or the muscles of the buttocks.
The recommended dose for adults is 25-100 mg intravenously or deep into the muscle of the buttock everyday as needed. The maximum dose is 100 mg (2 mL) a day
Which drugs or supplements interact with this drug?
No clinically important drug-drug interactionsbetween iron dextran and other medications have been reported by the manufacturer.
Is thsi drug safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- There are no adequate and well-controlled studies inpregnantwomen. Iron dextran should be used duringpregnancyonly if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
- Small amounts of iron dextran are excreted intohuman milk. Iron dextran should be used cautiously in pregnant women.
What else should I know about this drug?
What preparations of iron dextran-injection are available?
Iron dextran solution is available in 2 ml single dose vials for injection, containing 50 mg of elemental iron per ml.
How should I keep iron dextran-injection stored?
Iron dextran should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C to 25 C).
When was iron dextran approved by the FDA?
The FDA approved iron dextran in April, 1974.
![](https://images.medicinenet.com//images/slideshow/anemia-s1-what-is-anemia.jpg)
SLIDESHOW
Anemia: Common Causes, Symptoms, Types, and TreatmentSee SlideshowSummary
Iron dextran injection (Dexferrum, INFeD, Pri-Dextra, Proferdex) is a prescription iron supplement used for people who are iron deficient (anemia) and cant take oral iron supplements. Iron is crucial in red blood cells and their ability to transport oxygen. This drug can cause life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) including death and should be used with caution.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
Related Disease Conditions
Anemia
Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is, therefore, decreased. There are several types of anemia such as iron deficiency anemia (the most common type), sickle cell anemia, vitamin B12 anemia, pernicious anemia, and aplastic anemia. Symptoms of anemia may include fatigue, malaise, hair loss, palpitations, menstruation, and medications. Treatment for anemia includes treating the underlying cause for the condition. Iron supplements, vitamin B12 injections, and certain medications may also be necessary.
恶性贫血
Pernicious anemia is a blood disorder in which the body does not make enough red blood cells due to a lack of vitamin B12 in the blood. Pernicious anemia can develop from a lack of a protein that helps the body absorb vitamin B12, not getting enough B12 in the diet, and certain intestinal conditions that interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 such as Crohn's disease, celiac sprue, or ulcerative colitis. There is no cure for pernicious anemia, thus treatment is life-long.
Sickle Cell Disease (Anemia)
Sickle cell anemia (sickle cell disease), a blood disease that shortens life expectancy, is caused by inherited abnormal hemoglobin. Symptoms of sickle cell anemia may include bacterial infections, painful swelling of the hands and feet, fever, leg ulcers, fatigue, anemia, eye damage, and lung and heart injury. Treatment for sickle cell anemia aims to manage and prevent the worst manifestations of the disease and focuses on therapies that block red blood cells from stacking together, which can lead to tissue and organ damage and pain.
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