Deferiprone

Iron overload in patients with thalassaemia.

Deferiprone is a chelating agent with an affinity for ferric ion (iron III). Deferiprone binds with ferric ions to form neutral 3:1 (deferiprone:iron) complexes that are stable over a wide range of pH values. Deferiprone has a lower binding affinity for other metals such as copper, aluminum and zinc than for iron.

Adult: 25 mg/kg tid. Doses >100 mg/kg daily are not recommended.
Child: >6 yr: 25 mg/kg tid.

May be taken with or without food.

Avoid using deferiprone with aluminium-containing antacids as it can chelates trivalent metal ions.

Agranulocytosis, pregnancy and lactation.

Musculoskeletal and joint pain; GI disturbances; red-brown discoloration of urine; transient liver enzyme abnormalities; zinc deficiency; neutropenia and agranulocytosis.

Pregnancy Category D. There is positive evidence of human foetal risk, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk (e.g., if the drug is needed in a life-threatening situation or for a serious disease for which safer drugs cannot be used or are ineffective).

Hepatic and renal impairment. Neutropenia, monitor neutrophil count wkly and discontinue treatment if neutropenia develops. Limited experience in children 6-10 yr.

Antidote preparations

Store below 30° C.