Iron Dextran
Also known as: Cosmofer, DexFerrum, Dexiron, Driken, Fercayl, Ferrocel, Ferroin, Ferrum Hausmann, Fexiron, Imferdex, Imferon, InFeD, Infufer, Ferrextran-100
- **Purpose:** This injection provides essential iron to help your animal build healthy red blood cells and treat or prevent anemia. - **Administration:** The medication is given as an injection into the muscle. - **For Pig Owners:** Inject IM in the back of the ham. Be aware that injecting pigs older than 4 weeks may cause permanent staining of the muscle tissue. - **Side Effects:** Mild soreness at the injection site may occur. Watch for signs of weakness or severe allergic reactions shortly after the injection and contact your veterinarian immediately if they occur.
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
- Prevention of transient neonatal iron deficiency anemia
- Adjunctive therapy with erythropoietin treatment
- Adjunctive therapy with erythropoietin treatment in cats who cannot tolerate oral iron therapy
- General
- Iron deficiency anemia or following hemorrhage
- Iron deficiency anemia or following hemorrhage
- Prevention of iron deficiency anemia in baby pigs (2-4 days of age)
- Iron deficiency anemia
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Prostration and muscular weakness (pigs)
- Anaphylactoid reactions (rarely fatal)
- Nausea, vomiting, and sudden death within 1 hour (in pigs born to Vitamin E/Selenium deficient sows)
- Muscle tissue staining at injection site (in pigs >4 weeks old)
- Injection site sarcomas (associated with large SC doses in laboratory animals)
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to iron dextran
- Any anemia other than iron deficiency anemia
- Acute renal infections
- Concurrent use with oral iron supplements
- **Pregnancy:** High dosages may cause increased incidences of teratogenicity and embryotoxicity (FDA Category C). Use only when clearly necessary at recommended doses. **Nutritional Deficiencies:** Extreme caution in pigs born to Vitamin E/Selenium deficient sows due to risk of sudden death. **Laboratory Interference:** Large doses may discolor serum brown, causing falsely elevated serum bilirubin and falsely decreased serum calcium values. Serum iron values may not be meaningful for up to 3 weeks post-injection. **Incompatibilities:** Physically incompatible when mixed with oxytetracycline HCl and sulfadiazine sodium.
Drug interactions
- Chloramphenicol: May delay the response to iron administration; avoid using chloramphenicol in patients with iron deficiency anemia
Frequently asked questions
What is Iron Dextran used for in pets?
- **Purpose:** This injection provides essential iron to help your animal build healthy red blood cells and treat or prevent anemia. - **Administration:** The medication is given as an injection into the muscle. - **For Pig Owners:** Inject IM in the back of the ham. Be aware that injecting pigs older than 4 weeks may cause permanent staining of the muscle tissue. - **Side Effects:** Mild soreness at the injection site may occur. Watch for signs of weakness or severe allergic reactions shortly after the injection and contact your veterinarian immediately if they occur.
Is Iron Dextran 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.
Worried about your pet?
Peqaboo’s AI helps you track symptoms, understand lab reports, and know when to see a vet.
Get the Peqaboo app