Deferoxamine

Definition

Deferoxamine is a medication used to treat iron overload, a condition where excessive amounts of iron accumulate in the body. It is a chelating agent that binds to and removes excess iron, preventing it from causing damage to organs and tissues. Deferoxamine is particularly relevant in the context of vitamins, minerals, and complementary and alternative therapies, as it is a key treatment for iron toxicity and imbalances.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Deferoxamine is administered through intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (under the skin) infusion, as it is not well absorbed when taken orally.
2. Deferoxamine is primarily used to treat iron overload in conditions like thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and hereditary hemochromatosis.
3. The medication works by binding to excess iron in the body, forming a complex that can be excreted through urine and feces, effectively removing the iron from the system.
4. Potential side effects of deferoxamine include allergic reactions, gastrointestinal issues, and vision and hearing problems, especially with prolonged use.
5. In addition to its use in treating iron overload, deferoxamine has also been investigated for its potential neuroprotective effects and as a treatment for certain types of poisoning.

Review Questions

• Explain the mechanism of action of deferoxamine and how it helps in the treatment of iron overload.
  • Deferoxamine is a chelating agent, meaning it binds to and forms a stable complex with excess iron in the body. This complex can then be excreted through urine and feces, effectively removing the harmful excess iron and preventing it from accumulating in and damaging organs and tissues. By removing the excess iron, deferoxamine helps to restore a healthy iron balance and mitigate the negative effects of iron overload conditions, such as thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and hereditary hemochromatosis.
• Discuss the administration and potential side effects associated with the use of deferoxamine.
  • Deferoxamine is typically administered through intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (under the skin) infusion, as it is not well absorbed when taken orally. The medication is primarily used to treat iron overload conditions, where it binds to the excess iron and facilitates its removal from the body. However, the use of deferoxamine is not without risks, as it can cause potential side effects such as allergic reactions, gastrointestinal issues, and vision and hearing problems, especially with prolonged use. Patients receiving deferoxamine treatment must be closely monitored by healthcare professionals to manage these potential side effects and ensure the safe and effective use of the medication.
• Evaluate the role of deferoxamine in the context of vitamins, minerals, and complementary and alternative therapies, and discuss its broader applications beyond iron overload treatment.
  • Deferoxamine is a key player in the management of iron overload, which is a condition that falls within the broader context of vitamins, minerals, and complementary and alternative therapies. As a chelating agent, deferoxamine helps to restore the body's iron balance by removing excess iron, preventing it from causing damage to organs and tissues. Beyond its primary use in treating iron overload, deferoxamine has also been investigated for its potential neuroprotective effects and as a treatment for certain types of poisoning. This highlights the versatility of deferoxamine and its relevance in the broader realm of complementary and alternative therapies, where it can be used to address imbalances and toxicities related to essential minerals and metals in the body.

Related terms

Chelation Therapy: A medical procedure that uses chelating agents, such as deferoxamine, to remove heavy metals or minerals from the body.

Iron Overload: A condition where the body accumulates excessive amounts of iron, which can lead to organ damage if left untreated.

Hemochromatosis: A genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb and store too much iron, leading to iron overload.