Iron dextran (Injection)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 17, 2022.
Anaphylactic-type reactions, including fatalities, have followed the parenteral use of iron dextran. Have resuscitation equipment and personnel readily available during administration. Administer a test dose, and only administer full dose in the absence of signs or symptoms of anaphylactic-type reaction. Observe patients during administration for anaphylactic-type reaction. Use iron dextran only in patients no amenable to oral iron therapy. Patients with a history of drug allergy or multiple drug allergies may be at increased risk of anaphylactic reactions .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Dexferrum
- Infed
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Parenteral Mineral-Trace Mineral
Uses for iron dextran
Iron dextran is an iron replacement product that is used to treat iron deficiency, such as anemia (not enough iron in the blood) or blood loss in patients with certain conditions (eg, hemophilia, gastrointestinal bleeding).
Iron is a mineral that the body needs to produce red blood cells. When the body does not get enough iron, it cannot produce the number of normal red blood cells needed to keep you in good health. This condition is called iron deficiency (iron shortage) or iron deficiency anemia.
Iron dextran is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Before using iron dextran
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For iron dextran, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to iron dextran or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Use of iron dextran is not recommended in children younger than 4 months of age.
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of iron dextran in geriatric patients. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems, which may require caution in patients receiving iron dextran.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving iron dextran, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using iron dextran with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be requi..
