Deferoxamine
Also known as: Desferal · Desferrioxamine · Deferoxamine mesylate
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
This is a rate-based continuous infusion (CRI) dose. Calculate the infusion rate; do not use simple weight scaling.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron toxicity | 40 mg/kg i.m. q4-8h or 15 mg/kg/h slow i.v. infusion | IM/IV | q4-8h (IM) or continuous (IV) | Until iron levels normalize | 🌍 EU |
- Iron toxicity: Slow IV infusion is preferred to avoid hypotension.
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron toxicity | 40 mg/kg i.m. q4-8h or 15 mg/kg/h slow i.v. infusion | IM/IV | q4-8h (IM) or continuous (IV) | Until iron levels normalize | 🌍 EU |
- Iron toxicity: Slow IV infusion is preferred to avoid hypotension.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Deferoxamine (also known as desferrioxamine) is a heavy metal chelating agent primarily used as an antidote for iron toxicity. It binds to free iron in the bloodstream, forming a water-soluble complex that can be safely excreted by the kidneys.
Warning: Rapid intravenous administration can cause severe hypotension and anaphylactic reactions.
Clinical Pearl: The chelated iron complex (ferrioxamine) is excreted in the urine, which may turn a characteristic reddish-orange color (often described as "vin rosé" urine).
Mechanism of action
Deferoxamine chelates iron by binding to free iron (Fe3+) in the blood and tissues, forming a stable, water-soluble complex called ferrioxamine.
Free Iron + Deferoxamine → Ferrioxamine complex → Excreted in the urine.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Severe renal disease
Adverse effects
- Pain at IM injection site
- Anaphylactic reactions (especially with rapid IV)
- Hypotension (if administered rapidly IV)
Precautions
Normal precautions should be observed. Do not administer rapidly intravenously due to the high risk of hypotension and anaphylaxis. Use slow IV infusion instead.
Monitoring
- Serum iron levels
- Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)
- Blood pressure (especially during IV infusion)
- Renal function (BUN, Creatinine)
- Urine color
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Well absorbed after IM administration.
Distribution
Distributes widely but does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier.
Metabolism
Metabolized by plasma enzymes.
Elimination
The deferoxamine-iron complex (ferrioxamine) is excreted primarily in the urine.
Overdose
Overdosage or rapid IV administration can lead to acute hypotension, tachycardia, and shock. Treatment is supportive, including IV fluids and slowing/stopping the infusion.
Available products
Formulations
- Injectable: 500 mg vial for reconstitution
Human-labeled
- Desferal 500 mg powder for solution for injection/infusion
Regulatory status
POM
POM
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store un-reconstituted vials at room temperature. Reconstituted solutions should be used promptly or stored according to manufacturer guidelines.
Client information
This medication is a specialized antidote used to treat severe iron poisoning.
- Your pet may need to be hospitalized for continuous monitoring and intravenous fluids.
- Do not be alarmed if your pet's urine turns a reddish-orange color; this is a normal sign that the drug is successfully pulling iron out of the body.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.