iron dextran at a glance
Medicine class
Parenteral iron preparation
Licensed population
Adults only
Administration
Given by trained healthcare professionals, usually into a vein; intramuscular administration is also licensed.
Safety observation
Monitoring continues during administration and for at least 30 minutes afterwards.
What is iron dextran used for?
Licensed for adults with laboratory-confirmed iron deficiency.
When oral iron cannot be used or tolerated.
When oral iron has produced a demonstrated inadequate response.
When iron stores need rapid replenishment.
How does iron dextran work?
The body separates the iron-dextran complex into iron and dextran. The iron is stored or carried by transferrin, making it available for haemoglobin production and replenishing iron stores.
How to take iron dextran
A healthcare professional administers iron dextran. Intravenous infusion is the preferred licensed route; slow intravenous injection and intramuscular injection are alternatives. Eat normally and remain hydrated unless your clinical team advises otherwise.
Tell staff immediately about pain, burning or swelling around an intravenous cannula.
Remain for observation after administration.
Tell the team about allergies, asthma, eczema, inflammatory disorders, infection, pregnancy and all medicines or supplements.
iron dextran side effects
Common or expected effects
- Uncommon effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, feeling hot, cramps, numbness, blurred vision, flushing, itching or rash.
- Injection-site soreness, inflammation or vein irritation may occur.
- A flu-like illness, sometimes with fever and muscle or joint aches, may begin later.
Get urgent medical advice
- Breathing difficulty, hives, swelling, sudden severe dizziness or collapse may indicate serious hypersensitivity.
- Chest pain requires immediate assessment.
- Loss of consciousness, seizure, marked blood-pressure changes or an abnormal heartbeat need urgent assessment.
- Report severe or persistent pain and swelling at the administration site immediately.
iron dextran in pregnancy
Use in pregnancy only when clearly necessary after an individual benefit-risk assessment. Product information restricts use to the second or third trimester when benefit outweighs risk. The fetal heart should be monitored during intravenous administration because transient slowing can follow a maternal reaction.
iron dextran while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether the iron-dextran complex enters human milk, and product information says it is preferable not to use it while breastfeeding. General NHS intravenous-iron information considers risk to the nursing child unlikely, so discuss product choice with the prescriber or specialist.
iron dextran interactions
Tell the clinical team about prescribed, non-prescribed and complementary products.
Oral iron preparations
Do not use alongside iron dextran because oral-iron absorption is reduced. The prescriber will advise when oral treatment may resume.
Common questions about iron dextran
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is iron dextran used instead of iron tablets?
It may be chosen when oral iron cannot be tolerated or used, has not worked, or iron stores need rapid replenishment.
Is iron dextran a blood product?
No. It is an iron-carbohydrate preparation, not donated blood.
Why am I observed afterwards?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.