What is Deferoxamine used for?

Deferoxamine is indicated for: haemochromatosis, Iron storage disease, Iron toxicosis.

Which species have cited Deferoxamine dosing data?

Deferoxamine dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 3 species: African Grey Parrot, Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic).

Is Deferoxamine a controlled substance?

Deferoxamine is not federally scheduled in the US. Controlled-drug status differs by country — verify your local rules.

How does Deferoxamine work?

Chelates free ferric (Fe3+) iron forming ferrioxamine which is renally excreted. Does not remove iron from hemoglobin or cytochromes.

What is the constant rate infusion (CRI) dose for Deferoxamine?

Deferoxamine has 2 CRI dose rules in the ExoticRx formulary, covering Dog (Domestic), Cat (Domestic). See the CRI section on this page for routes, dose ranges, and source citations.

Deferoxamine

US brand names:Desferal

Calculate dosage

Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Deferoxamine is dosed at 100 mg/kg SC, IM q24h up to 3.5 mo in african grey parrots, per 516. Laniesse D, Beaufrère H. Iron storage disease. In: Graham J, eds. 5-Minute Veterinary Consult: Avian; Wiley Blackwell, Ames, IA; 2016:156-157. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.469 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 5.9 (Agents Used in the Treatment of Toxicologic Conditions of Birds). Verify against current literature before clinical use.

Drug Class

Antidote

Routes

IVIM

Indications

haemochromatosisIron storage diseaseIron toxicosis

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Specific antidote for iron toxicosis. IV CRI preferred. Vin rosé colored urine indicates adequate chelation. Hypotension with rapid IV infusion. Anuric patients: may need dialysis.

Evidence levels across 3 dose rules

Moderate×1Weak×2

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Constant rate infusion (CRI)

Deferoxamine CRI dose rules from the ExoticRx formulary. Verify against current literature before clinical use; CRI rates differ from bolus dosing and route, dilution, and monitoring matter. Sign in for the complete per-species CRI protocol set.

Species	Route	Rate	Indication	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	IV	10–15 mg/kg/hCRI	Iron toxicosis	Moderate	Brutlag AG, Flint CTC, Puschner B. Iron intoxication in a dog consequent to the ingestion of oxygen absorber sachets in pet treat packaging. J Medical Toxicol. 2012;8(1):76-79. doi:10.1007/s13181-011-0201-3 — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.346, Deferoxamine monograph.
Cat (Domestic)	IV	10–15 mg/kg/hCRI	Iron toxicosis	Weak	Brutlag AG, Flint CTC, Puschner B. Iron intoxication in a dog consequent to the ingestion of oxygen absorber sachets in pet treat packaging. J Medical Toxicol. 2012;8(1):76-79. — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.346, Deferoxamine monograph.

Sample dosing (2 of 3 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 3 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	IV	10–15 mg/kg/h	CRI	Moderate	Brutlag AG, Flint CTC, Puschner B. Iron intoxication in a dog consequent to the ingestion of oxygen absorber sachets in pet treat packaging. J Medical Toxicol. 2012;8(1):76-79. doi:10.1007/s13181-011-0201-3 — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.346, Deferoxamine monograph.
Cat (Domestic)	IV	10–15 mg/kg/h	CRI	Weak	Brutlag AG, Flint CTC, Puschner B. Iron intoxication in a dog consequent to the ingestion of oxygen absorber sachets in pet treat packaging. J Medical Toxicol. 2012;8(1):76-79. doi:10.1007/s13181-011-0201-3 — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.346, Deferoxamine monograph.

Backed by 2 published sourcesShow

· 516. Laniesse D, Beaufrère H. Iron storage disease. In: Graham J, eds. 5-Minute Veterinary Consult: Avian; Wiley Blackwell, Ames, IA; 2016:156-157. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.469 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 5.9 (Agents Used in the Treatment of Toxicologic Conditions of Birds).
· Brutlag AG, Flint CTC, Puschner B. Iron intoxication in a dog consequent to the ingestion of oxygen absorber sachets in pet treat packaging. J Medical Toxicol. 2012;8(1):76-79. doi:10.1007/s13181-011-0201-3 — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.346, Deferoxamine monograph.

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Dog (Domestic)IV
10–15 mg/kg/hCRI
Iron toxicosis
ModerateBrutlag AG, Flint CTC, Puschner B. Iron intoxication in a dog consequent to the ingestion of oxygen absorber sachets in pet treat packaging. J Medical Toxicol. 2012;8(1):76-79. doi:10.1007/s13181-011-0201-3 — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.346, Deferoxamine monograph.
Cat (Domestic)IV
10–15 mg/kg/hCRI
Iron toxicosis
WeakBrutlag AG, Flint CTC, Puschner B. Iron intoxication in a dog consequent to the ingestion of oxygen absorber sachets in pet treat packaging. J Medical Toxicol. 2012;8(1):76-79. doi:10.1007/s13181-011-0201-3 — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.346, Deferoxamine monograph.