Iron Dextran

Iron deficiency
Treatment
2 FDA approvals
4 Active Studies for Iron Dextran

What is Iron Dextran

Iron DextranThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryIron dextran is a medication that is given by injection to patients with iron deficiency. It is a dark brown, slightly thick liquid composed of ferric hydroxide and dextran. Iron dextran is used when oral iron supplements are not enough to treat iron deficiency, or when they are not an option.
INFeDis the brand name
Iron Dextran Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
INFeD
Iron Dextran
1974
8

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Iron Dextran, otherwise known as INFeD, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses including Iron Deficiency (ID) and Iron deficiency .
Iron Deficiency (ID)
Iron deficiency

Effectiveness

How Iron Dextran Affects PatientsIron dextran is a dark brown, slightly thick liquid that is used to treat iron deficiency in people who cannot take iron supplements orally. Iron is extremely important for making hemoglobin and other important compounds, and when iron levels in the body are low, it can lead to a condition known as iron deficiency anemia. Iron dextran is given either intravenously or intramuscularly to help restore iron levels.
How Iron Dextran works in the bodyAfter iron dextran is injected, it is taken out of the bloodstream by special tissue cells. These cells break down the iron dextran, separating the iron from the dextran. The iron is then stored in the body in forms such as hemosiderin or ferritin. This iron is then used to replenish hemoglobin and iron levels.

When to interrupt dosage

The prescribed dosage of Iron Dextran is contingent upon the diagnosed condition. The measure of dosage fluctuates depending on the mode of administration (e.g. Kit; Tablet; Tablet, film coated or Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral) presented in the table below.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Iron deficiency
22.0 mg, , 50.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg, 65.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 29.0 mg, 53.0 mg, 28.0 mg, 115.2 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Solution, Liquid, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous

Warnings

Iron Dextran has one restriction and should not be employed for the conditions given in the following table.Iron Dextran Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Do Not Combine
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Iron Dextran.
Common Iron Dextran Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Technetium Tc-99m oxidronate
Major
Iron Dextran can cause a decrease in the absorption of Technetium Tc-99m oxidronate resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
3-Aza-2,3-Dihydrogeranyl Diphosphate
Minor
Iron Dextran can cause a decrease in the absorption of 3-Aza-2,3-Dihydrogeranyl Diphosphate resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Calcium Phosphate
Minor
Iron Dextran can cause a decrease in the absorption of Calcium Phosphate resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Calcium phosphate dihydrate
Minor
Iron Dextran can cause a decrease in the absorption of Calcium phosphate dihydrate resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Dipotassium phosphate
Minor
Iron Dextran can cause a decrease in the absorption of Dipotassium phosphate resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Iron Dextran Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lethal dose of iron dextran for a mouse is 500mg/kg when administered intravenously. Taking too much of this medication can lead to an accumulation of iron in the body, and severe allergic reactions such as loss of consciousness, breathing difficulty, and hives have been reported. Additionally, it can cause severe low blood pressure.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Iron Dextran Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Iron Dextran?

There are currently no active trials investigating the potential of Iron Dextran in treating Iron deficiency.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Iron deficiency
4 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable

Iron Dextran Reviews: What are patients saying about Iron Dextran?

4.3Patient Review
1/23/2010
Iron Dextran for Anemia from Inadequate Iron
I had very low iron levels for about six months. My GP referred me to a hematologist who prescribed InFed. I had two intravenous treatments and now my levels are normal. I didn't have any adverse reactions to the treatment, but I was watched closely during the treatment by a trained RN. This was exactly what I needed.
1Patient Review
11/24/2009
Iron Dextran for Anemia from Inadequate Iron
My experience with taking Iron Dextran was terrible. I had an acute anaphylactic reaction within 2 minutes of receiving this medication IV and almost died.
1Patient Review
1/28/2015
Iron Dextran for Anemia from Inadequate Iron
I had a severe allergic reaction to this medication (chest pain, trouble breathing) within one minute of taking it. Luckily, an RN was nearby and able to help me.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about iron dextran

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is side effect of iron dextran?

"Your skin may turn brown if you have any of the following symptoms: body aches, numbness or tingly feeling, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, mild dizziness or weakness, or low fever."

Answered by AI

What is iron dextran used for?

"Iron dextran is a medication used to treat iron deficiency in patients with certain conditions, such as anemia or gastrointestinal bleeding."

Answered by AI

How do you administer iron dextran?

"This medicine is delivered intravenously or by intramuscular injection (usually in the buttock). A small test dose may be given initially to ensure you or your child are not allergic to the medication. The remaining dose will be administered at least one hour after the test dose."

Answered by AI

What is iron dextran made of?

"Iron Dextran Injection USP is a sterile liquid complex of ferric hydroxide and dextran that contains 50 mg of elemental iron per mL. This medication is injected intravenously or intramuscularly, and is available in a dark brown, slightly viscous form."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Iron Dextran