Deferiprone

Deferiprone Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Deferiprone is a brand name. Its generic name is Deferiprone.

Deferiprone Introduction

Deferiprone (brand name Ferriprox) is an oral iron chelator medication used to treat chronic iron overload due to frequent and/or prolonged blood transfusions in people with thalassemia major. It can also be used to treat other hereditary diseases where iron overload is a problem such as sickle cell anemia and severe anemia associated with refractory anemias.

Uses For Deferiprone

Deferiprone is used to treat people with transfusion-dependent, thalassemia (a blood disorder passed down through families that is characterized by anemia, fatigue, and short stature), as well as strangulated obstructive jaundice and secondary hemochromatosis due to multiple transfusions (iron overload). It is sometimes used in combination with other iron chelators (e.g. deferoxamine).

Mechanism of Action

Deferiprone works by binding to free (unbound) iron ions in the bloodstream. Once bound, the iron ions become less available to tissues, allowing the body to rid itself of excess amounts of iron. Defferiprone is an orally active iron chelator, and it is broken down in the liver by glutathione to form an iron-deferiprone complex. The complex is mostly excreted by the kidneys; some is excreted via the feces.

How long does it take to work?

The effects of deferiprone may be seen within a few weeks, but it may take up to 3 months for the full benefits of deferiprone to be seen.

Absorption, Route of Elimination, Dosage, Administration, Side Effects, Toxicity, Precaution, Interactions, Disease Interactions, Drug Interactions, Food Interactions, Pregnancy Use, Lactation Use, Acute Overdose, Contraindication, Use Directions, Storage Condition, Volume of Distribution, Half Life, Clearance

Absorption

Deferiprone is well absorbed and rapidly reaches peak concentrations in the plasma after oral administration.

Route of Elimination

The primary route of elimination of deferiprone is via the kidneys. Some is excreted in the feces.

Dosage

The recommended dose of deferiprone for adults is 15 to 30 mg per kg of body weight per day, divided into two or three doses. The dose should not exceed 50 mg/kg/day. The dose is adjusted according to hematologic parameters and serum ferritin levels.

Administration

Deferiprone is taken orally, with or without food. It should not be taken with any other medication or iron supplements.

Side Effects

Common side effects of deferiprone include nausea, vomiting, headache, abdominal pain, rash, itching, and dizziness.

Toxicity

At high doses, deferiprone may cause liver damage. Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of liver toxicity and their dosage should be adjusted as necessary.

Precaution

Deferiprone should not be used in people with severe kidney or liver disease, or those with excessively elevated serum ferritin levels. It should be used with caution in pregnancy and breastfeeding as its safety has not been established.

Interactions

Deferiprone may interact with other medications, especially those that increase liver enzymes, such as amiodarone, citalopram, and carbamazepine. It should be used with caution in patients taking these medications.

Disease Interaction

Deferiprone should not be used in patients with severe liver or kidney disease.

Drug Interaction

Deferiprone may interact with other medications, such as amiodarone, citalopram, and carbamazepine, that may increase liver enzymes levels.

Food Interactions

Deferiprone should be taken with food to help minimize gastrointestinal side effects.

Pregnancy Use

Safety of deferiprone in pregnant women has not been established.

Lactation Use

It is not known if deferiprone is excreted into breastmilk. Therefore, caution should be exercised when administering deferiprone to breastfeeding women.

Acute Overdose

Symptoms of overdose with deferiprone include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. Treatment of overdose should consist of supportive care and monitoring.

Contraindication

Deferiprone should not be used in patients with severely elevated serum ferritin levels or in those with severe kidney or liver disease.

Use Direction

Deferiprone should be taken orally, with or without food, as directed by your doctor.

Storage Condition

Store at room temperature away from heat and light.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of deferiprone is approximately 14 L/kg.

Half Life

The half-life of deferiprone is about 6 hours.

Clearance

The clearance of deferiprone is about 1.7 L/hr/kg.

Here you find in details version of Deferiprone

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Deferiprone