| TAH Drug Code | IDES |
|---|---|
| Indications | Transfusional hemosiderosis especially in thalassemia major; idiopathic hemochromatosis; porphyria cutanea tarda. Acute Fe poisoning. Chronic Al overload with Al-related disease &/or encephalopathy. Test for Fe & Al overload. |
| Dosing | If the patient is normotensive, Desferal is usually given in a single IM dose: 2 g for an adult and 1 g for a child. If the patient is hypotensive, the IV route is recommended. The maximum rate for administration IV is 15 mg/kg/hr and is reduced after 4-6 hrs so that the total IV dose in general does not exceed 80 mg/kg/24 hrs. In an adult patient with severe iron poisoning even infusion of 37.1 g Desferal over 52 hrs has been tolerated without apparent unwanted effects. Therapy should be continued until the serum iron levels are less than the total iron-binding capacity. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Dose adjustment not necessary |
| Renal Impairment | Dose adjustment not necessary |
| Contraindications | Known hypersensitivity to the active substance, except where desensitisation proves possible. |
| Adverse Effects | Rarely, allergic skin reactions, anaphylactic reactions; local irritation at inj site; audiovisual disturbances, lens opacities; GI disturbances; leg cramps; renal or hepatic impairment; reddish brown urine discoloration; thrombocytopenia; CV & neurological disturbances. |
| Pregnancy | Compatible |
| Lactation | No (Limited) Human Data - Probably Compatible |
| More Info | UpToDate |