Iron dextran

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Infed)

Iron Dextran is a type of intravenous iron supplement used to treat iron deficiency anemia, a condition characterized by low levels of red blood cells due to a lack of iron. Iron dextran is often used when oral iron supplements are ineffective or cannot be used.

Composition[edit | edit source]

Iron dextran is a complex of iron (III) hydroxide and dextran, a type of polysaccharide. The iron is present in a trivalent form, which is the form of iron needed for the production of hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Iron dextran is used to treat iron deficiency anemia in patients who cannot tolerate or absorb oral iron supplements. It is also used in patients with chronic kidney disease who are receiving hemodialysis and are also receiving supplemental erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells.

Administration[edit | edit source]

Iron dextran is administered intravenously, either as a slow injection or as an infusion. The dose and frequency of administration depend on the patient's iron levels and overall health status.

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Common side effects of iron dextran include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and pain at the injection site. Serious side effects can include allergic reactions, low blood pressure, and iron overload, which can lead to damage to the liver and other organs.

Contraindications[edit | edit source]

Iron dextran should not be used in patients with iron overload or hemochromatosis, a condition characterized by excessive absorption of dietary iron. It should also be used with caution in patients with liver disease or any condition that can increase the risk of iron overload.

See Also[edit | edit source]


Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD