Deferoxamine Mesylate
Also known as: Desferal, DFO
Your pet is receiving **deferoxamine** because they have ingested a toxic amount of iron (such as human iron supplements or oxygen absorber packets found in food packaging). * **Hospitalization**: This medication must be given by injection, often as a continuous IV drip, so your pet will need to stay in the hospital for monitoring. * **Urine Color Change**: You or the veterinary staff may notice your pet's urine turning a pink or reddish color (often described as 'vin rosé'). **This is normal and expected.** It means the drug is successfully binding the iron and flushing it out through the kidneys. Treatment usually continues until the urine color returns to normal. * **Follow-up**: Even after successful treatment, iron toxicity can cause damage to the stomach and intestines. Monitor your pet closely at home for vomiting, dark tarry stools, or signs of abdominal pain over the next 4 to 6 weeks, as strictures (scar tissue blockages) can sometimes develop.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Severe iron toxicosis
- Severe iron toxicosis
- Severe iron toxicosis
- Severe iron toxicosis
- Severe iron toxicosis
- Severe iron toxicosis
- Ferric ion chelator during treatment of cardiac arrest (experimental)
- Ferric ion chelator during treatment of cardiac arrest (experimental)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Allergic reactions (hives, wheezing)
- Auditory neurotoxicity (with chronic, high-dose therapy)
- Pain or swelling at injection sites
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Hypotension, tachycardia, and convulsions (if given IV too rapidly)
- Pulmonary edema (associated with rapid IV administration)
Cautions & contraindications
- Severe renal failure (unless dialysis is used to remove the ferrioxamine complex)
- > **WARNING**: Intravenous administration must be performed slowly (preferably via Constant Rate Infusion). Too rapid IV injection can precipitate severe hypotension, arrhythmias, and shock. * **Pregnancy**: FDA Category C. Has caused skeletal abnormalities in animals at doses just above those recommended for iron toxicity. Use only when benefits outweigh risks. * **Oral Use**: Oral administration is controversial and generally not recommended, as it may increase the amount of iron absorbed from the gut. * **Laboratory Interference**: May cause falsely low values on colorimetric iron assays and falsely high Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) measurements.
Drug interactions
- Prochlorperazine: Concurrent use may cause temporary impairment of consciousness.
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): May be synergistic in removing iron, but could lead to increased tissue iron toxicity, especially in cardiac muscle. Use with extreme caution in patients with preexisting cardiac disease.
Frequently asked questions
What is Deferoxamine Mesylate used for in pets?
Your pet is receiving **deferoxamine** because they have ingested a toxic amount of iron (such as human iron supplements or oxygen absorber packets found in food packaging). * **Hospitalization**: This medication must be given by injection, often as a continuous IV drip, so your pet will need to stay in the hospital for monitoring. * **Urine Color Change**: You or the veterinary staff may notice your pet's urine turning a pink or reddish color (often described as 'vin rosé'). **This is normal and expected.** It means the drug is successfully binding the iron and flushing it out through the kidneys. Treatment usually continues until the urine color returns to normal. * **Follow-up**: Even after successful treatment, iron toxicity can cause damage to the stomach and intestines. Monitor your pet closely at home for vomiting, dark tarry stools, or signs of abdominal pain over the next 4 to 6 weeks, as strictures (scar tissue blockages) can sometimes develop.
Is Deferoxamine Mesylate safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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