Desferoxamine (desferrioxamine) mesilate Intravenous Infusion for Adults

Who can administer

May be administered by registered competent doctor or nurse/midwife

Monitoring requirements - see overleaf
Rapid administration may lead to flushing, hypotension and acute collapse
Care should also be taken when flushing IV lines to avoid the sudden infusion of residual desferoxamine which may be present in the dead space of the line as this may lead to acute collapse

Desferal 500mg vial

Water for injection

5ml per 500mg vial

Sodium chloride 0.9% or Glucose 5%

Continuous intravenous infusion (administer using an electronically controlled infusion device) For the treatment of acute iron poisoning

The volume of fluid to be used for intravenous infusion is not critical, as long as the recommended rate of administration is not exceeded ^{(ref 1)} - if a 50ml infusion volume is used the residual volume in the infusion line must be flushed through at the same rate to avoid significant underdosing
Administer at a suitable rate according to dosage instructions

Acute iron overload/poisoning

Recommended dose is 15mg per kg per hour
Reduced as soon as the situation permits, usually after 4 to 6 hours
Maximum of 80mg per kg in 24 hours cannot usually be exceeded. (but see below re Poisons centre)
- If symptoms have not improved discuss with Poison Centre ^{(ref 2)}
- An extension of the infusion may be recommended

Other indications - see manufacturer's SPC

Renal impairment

Acute iron overload

Haemodialysis may be required if the patient is in renal failure as the ferrioxamine complex formed must be renally excreted
Theoretically, 100mg Desferoxamine can chelate 8.5mg of ferric iron
It should be noted that the serum iron level may rise sharply when the iron is released from the tissues

SPC July 2018

1: Injectable medicines administration guide, Medusa, assessed online on 18/06/2026

2: Toxbase, assessed online on 18/06/2026

Chelating agent