Deferoxamine

Deferoxamine (also known as desferrioxamine, DFOA, or desferal) is an iron chelating drug used to treat iron overload. It is used to reduce excessive iron levels in the body that can occur with certain medical conditions, such as thalassemia, hemochromatosis, and anemia. Deferoxamine can be given intravenously, through an injection, or as a subcutaneous infusion. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and anemia.

Deferoxamine, also known by the brand name Desferal, is a medication used to eliminate excess iron from the body. Here's a breakdown of its key functionalities:

Applications:

• Treats iron overload caused by:
  • Frequent blood transfusions (transfusional hemosiderosis)
  • Genetic disorders leading to iron buildup (e.g., hereditary hemochromatosis)
  • Accidental iron poisoning (particularly in children)
• Can also be used off-label to treat aluminum toxicity in some cases.

Mechanism of Action:

• Deferoxamine is an iron chelator. It binds to excess iron floating freely in the bloodstream or stored in tissues.
• This creates a stable complex that the body can then eliminate through urine.
• By removing iron, Deferoxamine helps prevent organ damage caused by iron overload.

Administration:

• Deferoxamine is not available in pill form.
• It's typically administered by injection:
  • Intravenously (into a vein) for chronic iron overload
  • Intramuscularly (into a muscle) for acute iron poisoning
  • Subcutaneously (under the skin) for chronic iron overload, using a portable pump for continuous infusion

Important Considerations:

• Deferoxamine is a prescription medication requiring careful monitoring by a doctor.
• Potential side effects include:
  • Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
  • Low blood pressure
  • Hearing and vision problems (rare but serious)
  • Skin rash
  • Aluminum toxicity (if used for extended periods)
• Deferoxamine can interact with other medications, so inform your doctor about all your prescriptions and supplements.

Additional Resources:

• MedlinePlus: [Deferoxamine medlineplus ON MedlinePlus (.gov) medlineplus.gov]
• Drugs.com: [deferoxamine uses ON Drugs.com]
• National Institutes of Health (NIH): [iron overload ON National Institutes of Health (.gov) niddk.nih.gov]