Doses - DEFEROXAMINE MESYLATE

Dogs & Cats:

In dogs at risk for, or exhibiting signs of severe iron toxicosis:
a) Initiate ASAP or at least within 12 hours of ingestion; give as a constant rate infusion at 15 mg/kg/hour. More rapid infusion may precipitate arrhythmias or aggravate hypotension. If constant rate infusion is not possible or are unable to monitor pt. during infusion, give 40 mg/kg IM q4-8h, depending on clinical status. Continue therapy until serum iron levels are below 300 microliters/dl or decrease below the TIBC, whichever is lower. Chelation theRApy may require 2-3 days of therapy. Following recovery, monitor for signs of GI obstruction, which may develop 4-6 weeks post-ingestion. (Greentree and Hall 1995)
Experimentally, as a ferric ion chelator during treatment of cardiac arrest:
a) 5 - 15 mg/kg IV, IM or SubQ. (Muir 1994)
b) 10 mg/kg IV, IM q2h twice, then tid for 24 hours. (Hackett and Van pelt 1995)
Experimentally, as a ferric ion chelator to prevent re-perfusion injuries secondary to gastricdilatation volvulus (GDV):
a) 50 mg/kg IV over 5 minutes (Lantz, Badylak et al. 1992)
Monitoring Parameters - For iron overload: 1) Efficacy (serum ferritin, serum iron, TIBC, arerecommended to monitor iron overload); 2) Adverse effects (see above); additionally, if chronic ironoverload: eye examinations (iron toxicity and its subsequent removal may adversely affect vision)
Dosage Forms/Preparations/FDA Approval Status/Withholding Times - Veterinary-Approved Products: None