DeferoxamineDose, contraindications and adverse effects for Cats, Dogs and Horses.

Iron-chelating antidote for acute iron overdose; binds ferric iron to form a stable, excretable complex (ferrioxamine). Deferoxamine (DFO) is primarily used for the treatment of acute or chronic iron toxicity. This drug has been evaluated as an iron chelator for adjunctive treatment of acute cardiac ischemia, intracerebral hemorrhage, and as a chelator for aluminum and thallium toxicity. Its efficacy in treating reperfusion injuries is disappointing. Addi- tional experimental uses include topical preparations

Deferoxamine (DFO) binds ferric (Fe+++) ions to its 3 hydroxamic groups and forms ferrioxamine, a stable, water-soluble compound that is readily excreted by the kidneys. Approximately 100 mg of DFO will bind 8.5 mg of elemental iron. DFO will not combine with iron already bound to transferrin or hemoglobin but will chelate iron bound to hemosiderin and ferritin.

Deferoxamine (DFO) is contraindicated in patients with severe kidney injury or anuria unless dialysis is used to remove ferrioxamine (the chelated compound). Growth retardation has been associated with use of high doses and the drug should be used with caution in pediatric patients. Due to increased susceptibility from iron overload, patients infected with Yersinia enterocolitica or Yersinia pseudotuberculosis should not be treated with DFO.

Veterinary experience with deferoxamine (DFO) is limited. Poten- tial adverse effects include allergic reactions, auditory neurotoxicity (particularly with long-term, high-dose therapy), changes in visual acuity, renal dysfunction, pain or swelling at injection sites, and GI distress. Respiratory distress syndrome has been reported in humans that have received deferoxamine in very high doses.

■ Serum ferritin ■ Serum iron ■ TIBC no longer recommended in cases of iron poisoning ■ Kidney function tests (due to renal excretion, measure prior to dosing or serially in animals with renal disease) ■ Serum aluminum if used for aluminum chelation ■ Treatment is continued until serum iron…