Drug reference
deferoxamine
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Miscellaneous (Iron Supplements)
Mechanism of action
Desferal chelates iron by forming a stable complex that prevents the iron from entering into further chemical reactions; also chelates iron readily from ferritin and hemosiderin but not readily from transferrin; does not combine with the iron from cytochromes and hemoglobin; chelate is readily soluble and is renally excreted
Common side effects
- Injection site reactions
- Arthralgia
- Hypotension
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is deferoxamine?
deferoxamine belongs to: Miscellaneous.
How does deferoxamine work?
Desferal chelates iron by forming a stable complex that prevents the iron from entering into further chemical reactions; also chelates iron readily from ferritin and hemosiderin but not readily from transferrin; does not combine with the iron from cytochromes and hemoglobin; chelate is readily soluble and is renally excreted
What are the common side effects of deferoxamine?
Injection site reactions, Arthralgia, Hypotension, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea
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