Hexadentate chelator with high affinity and specificity for ferric iron (Fe3+), forming ferrioxamine complex that is excreted renally. Does not significantly chelate essential trace metals (calcium, zinc, copper) at therapeutic doses.
At a glance
Class
Iron Chelating Agent
Storage
Powder at room temperature below 25°C; reconstituted solution use within 24h at room temperature
Dosing
Treatment for acute iron toxicity (iron supplementation overdose, iron-containin
Route
IV (CRI preferred), IM, SQ
Frequency
Continuous IV or q4–8h IM/SQ
Iron toxicity less common in cats
Safety
Serum iron levels before and during treatmentUrine color (vin rosé = active chelation)Blood pressure (IV infusion)Renal function
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Deferoxamine?
Deferoxamine is a iron chelating agent used in pets. Hexadentate chelator with high affinity and specificity for ferric iron (Fe3+), forming ferrioxamine complex that is excreted renally. Does not significantly chelate essential trace metals (calcium, zinc, copper) at therapeutic doses.
›What is Deferoxamine used for in pets?
Deferoxamine is used in veterinary medicine for: Treatment for acute iron toxicity (iron supplementation overdose, iron-containin; Iron toxicity less common in cats.
›What is the Deferoxamine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Deferoxamine is typically dosed as follows — Treatment for acute iron toxicity (iron supplementation overdose, iron-containin: 10–15 mg/kg IV (CRI preferred)/IM/SQ Continuous IV or q4–8h IM/SQ. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Deferoxamine dose for cats?
For cats, Deferoxamine is typically dosed as follows — Iron toxicity less common in cats: 40 mg/kg IM q4h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Deferoxamine need a prescription?
Yes. Deferoxamine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
References
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
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