Deferoxamine Mesylate
Deferoxamine mesylate
Also known as: Desferal · DFO · desferoxamine mesylate · Ba-33112 · Ba-29837 · deferoxamini mesilas · desferrioxamine mesylate · desferrioxamine methanesulphonate · NSC-527604 · Desferin
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severe iron toxicosis | 40 mg/kg IM q4-8 hours | IM | q4-8h | Until urine clears or serum iron levels return to normal | 🌎 NA |
| Severe iron toxicosis | 15 mg/kg/hour | IV | CRI | 2-3 days (until serum iron < 300 microliters/dL or below TIBC) | 🌎 NA |
| Severe iron toxicosis | 10 mg/kg IM or IV q8h for 24 hours | IM/IV | q8h | 24 hours | 🌎 NA |
| Ferric ion chelator during treatment of cardiac arrest (experimental) | 5-15 mg/kg IV , IM or SC | IV/IM/SC | Single dose or as directed | — | 🌎 NA |
| Ferric ion chelator during treatment of cardiac arrest (experimental) | 10 mg/kg IV , IM q2h twice, then three times daily for 24 hours | IV/IM | q2h twice, then TID | 24 hours | 🌎 NA |
- Severe iron toxicosis: Most effective within the first 24 hours. IM route is preferred as too rapid IV administration can cause hypotension and pulmonary edema.
- Severe iron toxicosis: Initiate ASAP or at least within 12 hours of ingestion. Give as a constant rate infusion. If CRI not possible, give 40 mg/kg IM q4-8h.
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severe iron toxicosis | 40 mg/kg IM q4-8 hours | IM | q4-8h | Until urine clears or serum iron levels return to normal | 🌎 NA |
| Severe iron toxicosis | 15 mg/kg/hour | IV | CRI | 2-3 days | 🌎 NA |
| Severe iron toxicosis | 10 mg/kg IM or IV q8h for 24 hours | IM/IV | q8h | 24 hours | 🌎 NA |
- Severe iron toxicosis: Cat dosages are not well established; extrapolated from general animal doses.
- Severe iron toxicosis: Cat dosages are not well established; extrapolated from general animal doses.
- Severe iron toxicosis: Cat dosages are not well established.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Deferoxamine mesylate is a highly specific iron-chelating agent primarily utilized in veterinary medicine as a life-saving antidote for acute iron toxicosis (e.g., ingestion of iron supplements or oxygen absorbers). It is also occasionally evaluated for aluminum toxicity and as an adjunctive treatment for acute cardiac ischemia, though its efficacy for reperfusion injury has been disappointing.
Key clinical points:
- High Affinity: It specifically targets and binds free iron in the bloodstream and tissues, preventing iron-induced oxidative damage.
- Urine Discoloration: A hallmark of successful chelation is the production of a salmon-pink or 'vin rosé' colored urine, indicating the excretion of the iron-chelate complex.
- Administration: It must be given parenterally (usually IM or slow IV CRI). Oral administration is generally contraindicated as it may paradoxically increase gastrointestinal iron absorption.
Mechanism of action
Deferoxamine acts by directly binding to free iron to neutralize its toxicity:
- The drug possesses three hydroxamic groups that have a high affinity for ferric (Fe³⁺) ions.
- Deferoxamine + Fe³⁺ → Ferrioxamine (a stable, water-soluble chelate complex).
- By sequestering the iron, it prevents the metal from participating in the Fenton reaction, thereby halting the production of damaging reactive oxygen species (hydroxyl radicals).
- The ferrioxamine complex is then readily excreted by the kidneys into the urine. It does not significantly chelate other essential trace metals or electrolytes (except aluminum).
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Severe renal failure (unless dialysis is used to remove the ferrioxamine complex)
Adverse 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)
Precautions
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
Concurrent use may cause temporary impairment of consciousness.
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.
Monitoring
- Serum iron levels
- Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)
- Serum ferritin
- Urine color (monitor for clearing of the 'vin rosé' color)
- Blood pressure and heart rate (especially during IV infusion)
- Ophthalmic examinations (if used chronically)
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; must be given parenterally for systemic effect.
Distribution
Widely distributed throughout the body.
Metabolism
Binds with free iron to form the stable complex ferrioxamine.
Elimination
Deferoxamine and the ferrioxamine complex are excreted primarily in the urine.
Overdose
Acute overdosage or excessively rapid IV administration can lead to severe hypotension, tachycardia, convulsions, hives, wheezing, and pulmonary edema. Chronic high-dose use may lead to hypocalcemia, thrombocytopenia, and auditory/visual neurotoxicity. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic.
Available products
Formulations
- Powder for Injection (lyophilized): 500 mg
- Powder for Injection (lyophilized): 2 g
Human-labeled
- Deferoxamine Mesylate Powder for Injection (lyophilized): 500 mg & 2 g in vials (Desferal®, generic)
Regulatory status
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇪🇺 EU · 🇬🇧 UK · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store intact vials at room temperature. After aseptic reconstitution with sterile water for injection, the solution may be stored for up to 24 hours at room temperature and should be protected from light. Do not mix with other drugs in the same syringe/line. Do not use if the solution is turbid. For IV infusion, dilution in normal saline, lactated Ringer's, or D5W is recommended.
Client information
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.
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.