Desferin
Desferin - General Information
Natural product isolated from Streptomyces pilosus. It forms iron complexes and is used as a chelating agent, particularly in the mesylate form. [PubChem]
Pharmacology of Desferin
Desferin, otherwise known as desferrioxamine or desferal, is a chelating agent used to remove excess iron or aluminum from the body. It acts by binding free iron or aluminum in the bloodstream and enhancing its elimination in the urine. By removing excess iron or aluminum, the agent reduces the damage done to various organs and tissues, such as the liver.
Desferin for patients
Desferin Interactions
Desferin Contraindications
There are no specific contraindications to the use of deferoxamine in acute iron intoxication except for a history of prior hypersensitivity. Control of the infusion rate to avoid rapid administration is required to prevent hypotension. An adequate output of urine is essential to ensure that the iron-deferoxamine complex (ferrioxamine) is excreted. In the presence of acute renal failure, dialysis or haemofiltration will be required to remove this complex.
Additional information about Desferin
Desferin Indication: Used to treat acute iron or aluminum toxicity (an excess of aluminum in the body) in certain patients. Also used in certain patients with anemia who must receive many blood transfusions.
Mechanism Of Action: Desferin works in treating iron toxicity by binding trivalent (ferric) iron (for which it has a strong affinity), forming ferrioxamine, a stable complex which is eliminated via the kidneys. 100 mg of deferoxamine is capable of binding approximately 8.5 mg of trivalent (ferric) iron. Desferin works in treating aluminum toxicity by binding to tissue-bound aluminum to form aluminoxamine, a stable, water-soluble complex. The formation of aluminoxamine increases blood concentrations of aluminum, resulting in an increased concentration gradient between the blood and dialysate, boosting the removal of aluminum during dialysis. 100 mg of deferoxamine is capable of binding approximately 4.1 mg of aluminum.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Deferoxamine
Synonyms: Deferoxamine mesylate; Deferoxaminum; Deferrioxamine; Deferoxamin; DFO; N-Benzoylferrioxamine B; DF B; DFOA; DFOM; Desferrioxamine; Desferrioxamine B; Deferrioxamine B; Deferoxamide B; Deferoxamine B
Drug Category: Iron Chelating Agents; Chelating agent
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Deferoxamine: Desferal; Desferan; Desferex; Desferin; Desferral; Desferrin;
Absorption: Deferoxamine is rapidly absorbed after intramuscular or subcutaneous administration, but only poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract in the presence of intact mucosa.
Toxicity (Overdose): Intravenous LD50 in mouse, rat, and rabbit is 340 mg/kg, 520 mg/kg, and 600 mg/kg, respectively. Subcutaneous LD50 in mouse and rat is 1600 mg/kg and >1000 mg/kg, respectively. Oral LD50 in mouse and rat is >3000 mg/kg and >1000 mg/kg, respectively. Nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity and retinal toxicity have been reported following long-term administration for chronic iron overload.
Protein Binding: Less than 10% bound to serum proteins in vitro.
Biotransformation: Deferoxamine is mainly metabolised in the plasma and hepatic metabolism is minimal. A number of metabolites have been isolated but not characterised. Some metabolites of deferoxamine, most notably the product of oxidative deamination, also chelate iron, and thus the antidotal effect of the drug appears unaffected by hepatic metabolism.
Half Life: Biphasic elimination pattern in healthy volunteers with a first rapid phase half life of 1 hour and a second slow phase half-life of 6 hours.
Dosage Forms of Desferin: Powder, for solution Intramuscular
Powder, for solution Intravenous
Powder, for solution Intraperitoneal
Chemical IUPAC Name: N'-[5-(acetyl-hydroxyamino)pentyl]-N-[5-[[4-(5-aminopentyl-hydroxyamino)-4-oxobutanoyl]amino]pentyl]-N-hydroxybutanediamide
Chemical Formula: C25H48N6O8
Deferoxamine on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deferoxamine
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals
