Iron Dextran

The Basics

What is Iron Dextran?

Used to treat iron-deficiency anemia.

Brand names for Iron Dextran

Infed

How Iron Dextran is classified

Ferric Compounds, Hematinics

Iron Dextran During Pregnancy

Iron Dextran pregnancy category

Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Iron Dextran while pregnant

Iron dextran has been shown to be teratogenic and embryocidal in mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, and monkeys when given in doses of about 3 times the maximum human dose. No consistent adverse fetal effects were observed in mice, rats, rabbits, dogs and monkeys at doses of 50 mg iron/kg or less. Fetal and maternal toxicity has been reported in monkeys at a total intravenous dose of 90 mg iron/kg over a 14 day period. Similar effects were observed in mice and rats on administration of a single dose of 125 mg iron/kg. Fetal abnormalities in rats and dogs were observed at doses of 250 mg iron/kg and higher. The animals used in these tests were not iron deficient. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. INFeD should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Taking Iron Dextran While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Iron Dextran?

Limited data indicate that trace amounts of iron dextran are excreted into breastmilk. No information is available on the clinical use of iron dextran during breastfeeding. However, intravenous iron dextran has been used in preterm infants for anemia of prematurity and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. An alternate intravenous drug with more published data available may be preferred. Pasteurization of milk by the Holder method reduces the concentration of iron in milk by about 6.5%.[1]

Maternal / infant drug levels

Limited data indicate that trace amounts of iron dextran are excreted into breastmilk. No information is available on the clinical use of iron dextran during breastfeeding. However, intravenous iron dextran has been used in preterm infants for anemia of prematurity and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. An alternate intravenous drug with more published data available may be preferred. Pasteurization of milk by the Holder method reduces the concentration of iron in milk by about 6.5%.[1]

Possible effects of Iron Dextran on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Iron Dextran

Ferric Carboxymaltose, Iron Sucrose.