Paper II
2018 July (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Desferrioxamine

Q43 marksShort Notes

Answer

Desferrioxamine is an iron-chelating agent.

Mechanism of action

  • Binds free (non-transferrin-bound) iron with high affinity, forming a water-soluble complex (ferrioxamine) that is excreted in urine and bile
  • Does not readily remove iron already bound to haemoglobin, transferrin, or the cytochromes

Uses

  • Acute iron poisoning
  • Chronic iron overload (e.g., in thalassaemia major, due to repeated blood transfusions)

Adverse effects

  • Hypotension (with rapid IV infusion)
  • Ocular and auditory toxicity (with prolonged high-dose use)
  • Local reactions at subcutaneous infusion site
  • Yersinia and Mucormycosis infections (increased risk — iron chelation favours growth of these siderophilic organisms)

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