Cidofovir
Severe
Database
Clinical effect not specified
Source: DDInter
Drug reference
Deferoxamine
Antidote · Iron Chelator
Also known as Desferrioxamine mesilate, Desferal
AntidoteIron Chelator
CDSCO approvedSchedule H
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
12 major
SEVERE in our sources
PREGNANCY
Teratogenic in animal studies. Manufacturer advises use only if potential benefit outweighs risk.
FDA category + note
Top interactionssee all 12 →
- CidofovirSevereDatabaseDDInter
- DiatrizoateSevereDatabaseDDInter
- InotersenSevereDatabaseDDInter
- IodipamideSevereDatabaseDDInter
Mechanism
Deferoxamine is a potent iron-chelating compound. It binds to iron that has been absorbed and promotes its excretion in urine and feces. This action helps to treat both acute iron toxicity and chronic iron overload by removing excess iron from the body.
Indications
Acute iron poisoningChronic iron overload (hemochromatosis)Iron overload due to inherited hemochromatosisIron overload due to multiple red cell transfusions (e.g., in beta-thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, aplastic anemia)Aluminium-related encephalopathy
Dosing
- Adult
- For acute iron poisoning: 5-15 mg/kg/hr IV infusion. For chronic iron overload or general use: 20-50 mg/kg daily by continuous or intermittent intravenous infusion.
- Max dose
- 6 g/24 hr (for iron poisoning)
Side effects
Common
paraesthesiarespiratory disordersshocktachycardiathrombocytopeniavision disordersHypotension (worse with rapid infusion rates)
Serious
- Acute kidney injury
- hypocalcaemia
- leucopenia
- renal tubular disorder
- seizure
- urine red
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
Teratogenic in animal studies. Manufacturer advises use only if potential benefit outweighs risk.
Lactation
Manufacturer advises use only if potential benefit outweighs risk; no information available.
Drug interactions
Diatrizoate
Severe
Database
Clinical effect not specified
Source: DDInter
Inotersen
Severe
Database
Clinical effect not specified
Source: DDInter
Iodipamide
Severe
Database
Clinical effect not specified
Source: DDInter
Iodixanol
Severe
Database
Clinical effect not specified
Source: DDInter
Iohexol
Severe
Database
Clinical effect not specified
Source: DDInter
Iopamidol
Severe
Database
Clinical effect not specified
Source: DDInter
Iopromide
Severe
Database
Clinical effect not specified
Source: DDInter
Iothalamic Acid
Severe
Database
Clinical effect not specified
Source: DDInter
Ioversol
Severe
Database
Clinical effect not specified
Source: DDInter
Ioxilan
Severe
Database
Clinical effect not specified
Source: DDInter
Vigabatrin
Severe
Database
Clinical effect not specified
Source: DDInter
Related guidelines
Other Antidote drugs
Ask House about Deferoxamine
Continue into a citation-backed clinical answer with the drug context already attached.
Sources: Katzung, BNF, Nelson, Harriet Lane·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team