Desferrioxamine

Also known as Deferoxamine

Trade name

DBL Desferrioxamine Mesylate

Presentation and preparation

For IV or SC administration

Vial size (powder volume)	Fluid to add	Volume to add	Resulting concentration
500 mg (0.4 mL)	Water for injections	4.6 mL	100 mg/mL
2 g (1.6 mL)	Water for injections	18.4 mL	100 mg/mL

Reconstitute to 100 mg/mL for intravenous or subcutaneous administration.

For IM administration

Vial size (powder volume)	Fluid to add	Volume to add	Resulting concentration
500 mg (0.4 mL)	Water for injections	1.6 mL	250 mg/mL

Reconstitute to 250 mg/mL for IM administration.

IV administration

Preferred route for acute iron poisoning.

Rates of IV administration are specific to indication, individual requirement and response. Seek specialist advice.

Dilute reconstituted solution to 1 to 8 mg/mL and give as a slow infusion according to indication and clinical parameters.

May be administered as a continuous infusion.

Usual maximum rate: 15 mg/kg/hr, up to total dose of 80 mg/kg/24 hours.

Other routes of administration

IM: Suitable. Give 250 mg/mL reconstituted solution undiluted.

SC: Suitable for slow SC infusion. Give 100 mg/mL reconstituted solution undiluted using a portable, controlled-infusion device.

Compatible IV fluids

Glucose 5%

Hartmann’s

Sodium chloride 0.9%

Additional information

Observe closely for anaphylactic reactions.

Complex patient management: Seek specialist advice.

Caution: Rapid IV injection may lead to severe hypotension and shock. Administration may cause significant hypotension; reduce infusion rate if hypotension occurs.

Use only when facilities for cardiac monitoring and cardio-respiratory resuscitation exist.

Reconstituted solution should be clear.

Protect from light during storage.

Contact the Poisons Information Centre for more detailed information: 13 11 26.