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Brand Name :
Ferriprox
Synonyms :
deferiprone
Class :
Iron chelating agents
Dosage forms and strengths Â
Oral tablet Â
500 mg Â
Dosage forms and strengths Â
Oral tablet Â
500 mg Â
Refer adult dosingÂ
may have an increased neutropenic effect when combined with deferiprone
may have an increased neutropenic effect when combined with deferiprone
may have an increased neutropenic effect when combined with deferiprone
may have an increased neutropenic effect when combined with deferiprone
may have an increased neutropenic effect when combined with deferiprone
deferiprone: they may increase the neutropenic effect of myelosuppressive agents
deferiprone: they may diminish the serum concentration of antacids
deferiprone: they may diminish the serum concentration of antacids
deferiprone: they may diminish the serum concentration of antacids
deferiprone: they may diminish the serum concentration of antacids
deferiprone: they may diminish the serum concentration of antacids
deferiprone: it may increase the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents
deferiprone: it may increase the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents
deferiprone: it may increase the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents
deferiprone: it may increase the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents
deferiprone: it may increase the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increase in the risk of the neutropenic effect of deferiprone 
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increase in the risk of the neutropenic effect of deferiprone  
Sucralfate may reduce the serum concentration of deferiprone
may diminish the serum concentration of polyvalent cation containing products
may decrease the serum concentration and decrease in the efficacy
may increase the neutropenic effect of myelosuppressive agents
may increase the neutropenic effect of myelosuppressive agents
may increase the neutropenic effect of myelosuppressive agents
may increase the neutropenic effect of myelosuppressive agents
may increase the neutropenic effect of myelosuppressive agents
may increase the toxic effect of salicylates
may increase the neutropenic effect of myelosuppressive agents
may increase the neutropenic effect of myelosuppressive agents
may increase the neutropenic effect of Myelosuppressive Agents
may increase the neutropenic effect of Myelosuppressive Agents
may increase the potential for hypersensitivity reactions of Immunosuppressants
may increase the neutropenic effect of Myelosuppressive Agents
when both drugs combine the risk of both drug increases the toxicity of other by synergism.
the effect of both drug toxicity increases by synergism
when thiotepa and deferiprone combine, the toxicity of both drugs increases by synergism     
when both the drugs are combined, carmustine may decrease the renal secretion of deferiprone and result in an increased serum level    
immunosuppressants such as doxorubicin may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of another drug
interaction with trimetrexate may increase the neutropenic adverse effect of deferiprone
may increase toxic adverse effects of pemetrexed
may increase toxic adverse effects of pralatrexate
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk of adverse effects   
either of the drug in combination increases the toxic effect of the other due to synergistic activity/risk of infection
the toxicity of either of the drugs is increased due to pharmacodynamic synergism
may increase GI bleeding, ulceration and irritation
may increase GI bleeding, ulceration and irritation
may increase GI bleeding, ulceration and irritation
may increase GI bleeding, ulceration and irritation
may increase GI bleeding, ulceration and irritation
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with gadofosveset, resulting in an enhanced serum level
tinidazole has the potential to reduce the rate of excretion of deferiprone, potentially leading to an elevation in level of serum
Higher risk of bone marrow suppression
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increase in adverse/toxic effects of bone marrow suppression and neutropenic effect
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with pentastarch, resulting in an enhanced serum level
abacavir has the potential to reduce the excretion rate of deferiprone, leading to an increased level of serum
allopurinol has the potential to reduce the excretion rate of deferiprone, leading to an increased level of serum
aldesleukin has the potential to reduce the excretion rate of deferiprone, leading to an increased level of serum
acyclovir has the potential to reduce the excretion rate of deferiprone, leading to an increased level of serum
acetylsalicylic acid has the potential to reduce the excretion rate of deferiprone, leading to an increased level of serum
acetaminophen has the potential to reduce the excretion rate of deferiprone, leading to an increased level of serum
sulfamethoxazole: it may decrease the excretion rate of deferiprone
Actions and Spectrum:Â
Action:Â
Chelation of Iron:Â
deferiprone is a chelating agent, which forms stable complexes with iron ions in the body.Â
It primarily chelates ferric (Fe3+) iron ions, typically found in excess in iron overload conditions.Â
Iron Removal:Â
By binding to excess iron, deferiprone helps to remove the iron from tissues, particularly the liver, heart, and pancreas, where iron buildup can be harmful.Â
Once deferiprone binds to iron, the iron-deferiprone complex is water-soluble and can be excreted from the body through urine.Â
Spectrum:Â
deferiprone is primarily used to treat iron overload conditions, such as thalassemia major, sickle cell disease, and other anemias that require frequent blood transfusions.Â
It is also used in cases of secondary hemochromatosis, which can result from repeated blood transfusions.Â
Frequency not defined Â
VomitingÂ
NauseaÂ
HeadacheÂ
FatigueÂ
Black Box Warning:Â Â
None Â
Contraindication/Caution:Â Â
Hypersensitivity: deferiprone should not be used in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to the active ingredient or any of the components in the medication.Â
Pregnancy: deferiprone is generally not recommended during pregnancy, as its safety during pregnancy has not been well established. Pregnant women should only use deferiprone if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks, and under the close supervision of a healthcare professional.Â
Breastfeeding: It is usually advised to discontinue breastfeeding or avoid deferiprone use while breastfeeding. Alternatives should be considered.Â
Severe Hepatic Impairment: deferiprone is metabolized in the liver, and individuals with severe hepatic impairment may not be able to process the medication properly. Therefore, it is contraindicated in such cases.Â
Â
Pregnancy warnings:    Â
Pregnancy category: N/AÂ
Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknownÂ
Pregnancy Categories:        Â
Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester.Â
Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.  Â
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.   Â
Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.  Â
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.   Â
Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category
Pharmacology: deferiprone is a medication used in the treatment of iron overload in various medical conditions, such as thalassemia and other chronic anemias, where patients have received multiple blood transfusions.Â
Pharmacodynamics:Â Â
deferiprone is an iron-chelating agent. It forms stable complexes with excess iron in the body, particularly in the plasma and cellular compartments. This chelation process makes the iron more water-soluble, allowing it to be excreted from the body through urine and feces. Â
Pharmacokinetics:Â
AbsorptionÂ
deferiprone is well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The bioavailability is approximately 60-90%, and it is not significantly affected by food.Â
DistributionÂ
deferiprone is widely distributed throughout the body, with a volume of distribution estimated at approximately 1.3 L/kg. It can penetrate tissues and cross the blood-brain barrier.Â
MetabolismÂ
deferiprone undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism, a significant portion of the medication is eliminated without alteration in the urinary system.Â
Excretion and EliminationÂ
deferiprone is primarily eliminated via the renal route. The elimination half-life is relatively short, averaging around 1-2 hours.Â
Â
Administration: Â
The specific dosage and administration instructions may vary depending on the patient’s age, weight, medical condition, and the prescribing physician’s recommendations.Â
Patient information leafletÂ
Generic Name: deferiproneÂ
Why do we use deferiprone? Â
deferiprone is commonly used as an iron chelator, a substance that binds to excess iron in the body, particularly in patients who accumulate excessive iron due to conditions like thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, which require frequent blood transfusions.Â
deferiprone is used to manage iron overload in individuals with thalassemia who require regular blood transfusions to maintain their hemoglobin levels.Â
Patients with sickle cell disease often require blood transfusions, which can lead to iron overload. deferiprone is used to help manage the excess iron in these patients.Â
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