Risks of parenteral deferoxamine for acute iron poisoning.

OBJECTIVE

To review the adverse effects and risks of deferoxamine for the treatment of iron poisoning.

METHODS

A literature search of deferoxamine induced adverse effects was used to identify pertinent articles. The references of these articles served as the source of other references not previously identified.

RESULTS

Deferoxamine is a relatively safe antidote for iron intoxication, but adverse effects have been recognized with increased usage, particularly with prolonged intravenous dosing. This paper focuses on deferoxamine induced cardiovascular, pulmonary, ocular and auditory toxicity as well as its potential to increase the risk of infection. Information on iron's toxicology and toxicokinetics and deferoxamine's pharmacology and pharmacokinetics are reviewed. With this background information a hypothesis is generated to maximize deferoxamine benefit while minimizing deferoxamine induced pulmonary toxicity. The hypothesis is based upon a stoichiometric approach to maximal chelation during the first 24 h following iron ingestion.

CONCLUSION

Deferoxamine is a relatively safe antidote for iron poisoning but the potential for pulmonary and cardiovascular toxicity should be respected. Studies defining maximum regimens over defined periods of time will allow a more logical utilization of deferoxamine, optimizing benefit and minimizing risk.