iron dextran (high molecular weight)

High molecular weight iron dextran is an intravenous iron replacement therapy formerly used to treat iron deficiency anemia, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease or those undergoing hemodialysis. It consists of a complex of ferric hydroxide and a high molecular weight dextran polymer, typically characterized by a molecular weight of approximately 250,000 to 300,000 daltons. The drug acts as a source of supplemental iron that is cleared from the plasma by the reticuloendothelial system and subsequently incorporated into hemoglobin and reticuloendothelial iron stores (ferritin and hemosiderin). While effective for total dose infusion, high molecular weight formulations were associated with a significantly higher incidence of serious adverse events, including life-threatening anaphylaxis and hypersensitivity reactions, compared to low molecular weight iron dextran. Due to these safety concerns, high molecular weight iron dextran products were withdrawn from global markets in 2009.

Brand names

DexFerrumImferon

Other names

HMW iron dextranHMWIDhigh molecular weight iron dextran