Iron DextranDexFerrum, INFeD, Infufer (CAN)
PREGNANCY CATEGORY C
Drug class
Iron preparation
Therapeutic Actions
Elevates the serum iron concentration and is then converted to Hgb or trapped in the reticuloendothelial cells for storage and eventual conversion to usable form of iron.
Indications
Treatment of iron deficiency anemia only when oral administration of iron is unsatisfactory or impossible
Unlabeled use: May be required for patients receiving epoetin therapy
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with allergy to iron dextran, anemias other than iron deficiency anemia, acute phase of infectious renal disease.
Use cautiously with impaired hepatic function, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, asthma, lactation, pregnancy.
Available Forms
Injection—50 mg/mL
Dosages
Adults and pediatric patients
Iron deficiency anemia: Administer a 0.5 mL IM or IV test dose before therapy. Base dosage on hematologic response with frequent Hgb determinations.
For patients weighing more than 15 kg: Use the following formula:
Dose (mL) = [0.0442 (desired Hgb – observed Hgb) × LBW] + (0.26 × LBW), where Hgb = Hgb in g/dL and LBW = lean body weight.
Determine LBW as follows:
For males: LBW = 50 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch of patient’s height over 5 ft.
For females: LBW = 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch of patient’s height over 5 ft.
For children 5–15 kg and older than 4 mo: Use the following formula:
Dose (mL) = 0.0442 (desired Hgb – observed Hgb) × W + (0.26 × W), where W = actual weight in kg.
Iron replacement for blood loss: Determine dosage by the following formula: Replacement iron (in mg) = blood loss (in mL) × Hct
IM
Inject only into the upper outer quadrant of the buttocks. Give test dose of 0.5 mL IM. If tolerated, do not exceed 0.5 mL (25 mg) for infants weighing less than 5 kg; 1 mL for those more than 5 to less than 10 kg; 2 mL for all others.
IV injection
Give a test dose of 0.5 mL over at least 5 min before beginning therapy. May give up to 2 mL per daily dose (100 mg). Give slowly at 50 mg/min or less, undiluted.
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