iron dextran complex

A colloidal solution containing ferric oxyhydroxide complexed withpolymerized dextran, used as a form of parenteral iron-replacementtherapy. Upon administration and absorption, the iron dextran complex isremoved from plasma by the reticuloendothelial system which cleaves itinto the components iron and dextran; ferric iron subsequently binds totransferrin or is stored as hemosiderin or ferritin. Transferrin-boundiron is transported in the plasma to the liver, spleen and bone marrow,where is it is incorporated into hemoglobin (Hgb) and to muscle where itis incorporated into myoglobin (Mb). Use of this agent circumvents thegastrointestinal adverse effects commonly encountered with the use oforally administered iron salt preparations. Because of cross-reactivity with antibodies targeted againstpolysaccharides similar to dextran, anaphylactic reactions may occur withthis type of iron formulation.