iron dextran (Columbia University)

Iron dextran is an intravenous iron replacement agent composed of a complex of ferric hydroxide and dextran. It is indicated for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in patients who cannot tolerate or have not responded to oral iron therapy. Following administration, the complex is phagocytized by the reticuloendothelial system, where the iron is dissociated from the dextran and subsequently binds to transferrin or is stored as ferritin. This process replenishes iron stores in the bone marrow, liver, and spleen, supporting erythropoiesis. It is commonly used in clinical settings involving chronic blood loss or malabsorption syndromes such as inflammatory bowel disease and post-gastric bypass.

Brand names

INFeDDexferrum

Other names

iron dextran complexferric hydroxide dextran complexLMWIDlow molecular weight iron dextran