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
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.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Serum iron levels before and during treatmentUrine color (vin rosé = active chelation)Blood pressure (IV infusion)Renal function
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.
Find a vet near you →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.
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.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database