INFeD®, Iron-Dextran Complex

Iron dextran injection (INFED, DEXFERRUM) is a colloidal solution of ferric oxyhydroxide com-plexed with polymerized dextran (molecular weight -ISO IcDa) that contains 50 mg/mL of elemental iron. It can be administered by either intravenous (preferred) or intramuscular injection. When given by deep intramuscular injection, it is gradually mobilized via the lymphatics and transported to reticuloendothelial cells the iron then is released from the dextran complex. Intravenous administration gives a more reliable response. Given intravenously in a dose of less than 500 mg, the iron dextran complex is cleared with a plasma tj of 6 hours. When I g or more is administered intravenously as total dose therapy, reticuloendothelial cell clearance is constant at 10-20 mg/h. This slow rate of clearance results in a brownish discoloration of the plasma for several days and an elevation of the serum iron for 1-2 weeks. 

Parenteral (Iron dextran) (InFeD, DexFerrum) 50 mg elemental iron/mL Parenteral (Sodium ferric gluconate complex) (Ferrlecit) 12.5 mg elemental iron/mL Parenteral (Iron sucrose) (Venofer) 20 mg elemental iron/mL Oprelvekin (IL-11) (Neumega)... 

FDA-approved preparations for parenteral therapy include sodium ferric gluconate complex in sucrose (ferrlecit), iron sucrose (venofer), and iron dextran (iNFED, DEXFERRUM). Unlike iron dextran, which requires macrophage processing that may require several weeks, -80% of sodium ferric gluconate is delivered to transferrin with 24 hours. Sodium ferric gluconate has a much lower risk of serious anaphylactic reactions than iron dextran. 

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