Iron dextran: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Iron Dextran?

What is iron dextran for?

This medicine is generally used to treat iron deficiency in the blood (anemia) in people who cannot take iron because of side effects or because anemia treatment has not been completed. Low iron levels can occur when the body does not get enough iron from food (malnutrition, poor nutrient absorption) or when long-term blood loss or (eg hemophilia, stomach bleeding). You may also need extra iron due to blood loss during kidney dialysis. Your body may need more iron if you take the drug erythropoietin to help make new red blood cells. Iron is an essential part of red blood cells which is needed to carry oxygen throughout the body.

How do you use iron dextran?

This drug is usually injected into the buttocks muscles or into a vein slowly as directed by a doctor. When injecting into the buttocks, the next injection is given on the opposite side of the last injection.

Before the first dose, a small dose is given to test for a possible allergic reaction. If no reaction occurs after one hour, the full dose can be given. You will be checked by a health nurse every time you get iron.

Injectable iron can be given once a day in small doses or as directed by your doctor. Large doses can be given as a solution and injected into a vein over several hours. Some of the side effects such as dizziness and burning sensation can be relieved by slower administration of the drug. The dose and duration of treatment depend on age, body weight, condition, and the body's response to therapy. The doctor will do a blood test to find out your response.

If you are giving this medication at home to yourself, learn all the preparations and instructions for use from your healthcare professional. Before use, check this product for particles or discoloration. If there are lumps, don't use them. Learn how to store and dispose of medical supplies safely.

How do you store dextran iron?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Rules of Use for Iron Dextran

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the iron dextran dosage for adults?

Adult Dose for Iron Deficiency Anemia:

25-100 mg (0.5-2 ml) IM or IV once daily. A dose of 100 mg (2 ml) can be given intermittently IM or IV by route until the calculated total iron dextran requirement has been met.

Adult Dose for Anemia Associated with Chronic Renal Failure:

25-100 mg (0.5-2 ml) IM or IV once daily.

What is the dose of iron dextran for children?

The dosage for children has not been determined. Consult your doctor for more information.

In what dosages is iron dextran available?

Injection, intramuscular: 100 mg / ml.

Iron Dextran dosage

What side effects can be experienced due to iron dextran?

There are several cases of severe and sometimes fatal allergic reactions (loss of consciousness, fainting, difficulty breathing, hives, swelling, or convulsions) and low blood pressure (hypotension) that occur due to the use of Iron Dextran. This medicine should be given under the supervision of a health professional.

Less serious side effects may occur. Continue to use Iron Dextran and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience:

dizzy
nausea or vomiting
diarrhea
fever, sweating, or chills
soreness, pain, swelling, redness, or other reactions at the injection site
joint pain or muscle pain
metallic taste in mouth
headache

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Iron Dextran side effects

What should be known before using iron dextran?

Before receiving an Iron Dextran injection, it is recommended that you:

contact your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Iron Dextran injections, or other iron such as Ferric Carboxymaltose (Injectafer), Ferumoxytol (Feraheme), Iron Sucrose (Venofer), or Sodium Ferric Gluconate (Ferrlecit); other drugs; or one of the ingredients in Iron Dextran injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of ingredients.
contact your doctor and pharmacist about prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products that you use or plan to use. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section as well as the iron supplements taken. Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medication or monitor you carefully to prevent side effects.
tell your doctor if you have a kidney infection, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a condition in which the body attacks its own joints, causing pain, swelling, and malfunctioning of the joints, or heart or liver disease.
call your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while receiving Iron Dextran injection, contact your doctor.

Is iron dextran safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies to determine the risks of using the medication in women during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This medicine falls into the risk category of pregnancy D.

A = no risk

B = no risk in several studies

C = there may be a risk

D = tested positive for risk

X = contraindicated

N = unknown

Iron dextran can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Iron Dextran Drug Warnings and Cautions

What medicines might interact with iron dextran?

Drug interactions can change the performance of the drug or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Can food or alcohol interact with iron dextran?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with iron dextran?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

heart disease
liver disease
kidney disease (or if you are on kidney dialysis)
arthritis
bleeding or blood clotting disorders such as hemophilia
stomach bleeding
asthma or allergies
if you are allergic to any medication
if you are using Beta-Blocker drugs (Atenolol, Carvedilol, Metoprolol, Nebivolol, Propranolol, Sotalol, and others)