Precautions in the intravenous use of iron-dextran

Abstract

Precautions in the intravenous administration of large doses of iron-dextran complex are discussed in relation to a series of general medical and surgical patients, many of whom were elderly. 2. Systemic reactions were not a problem but it was thought important that the patient be kept supine during treatment. 3. The time of treatment should be kept short to avoid thrombophlebitis. Direct injection of concentrated iron-dextran was thought to be preferable to infusion in the elderly patient since it avoids restriction by an intravenous infusion for prolonged periods with risk of deep vein thrombosis, as well as reducing or eliminating the problem of thrombophlebitis of the infusion vein. 4. Iron-dextran complex in high concentrations may have a mild anticoagulant effect. In cases of iron deficiency associated with blood loss the possibility of further bleeding being initiated by a large dose of iron-dextran should be considered.