Clinical use of intravenous iron: administration, efficacy, and safety

Michael Auerbach1, Harold Ballard

  • 1Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA. mauerbachmd@aol.com

This section reviews the history, pharmacology, administration, efficacy, and toxicity of intravenous iron. Intravenous iron offers advantages over oral iron for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia across a wide range of disease states associated with absolute and functional iron deficiency. However, there remain concerns about the acute safety profiles of the available preparations and the potential for long-term toxicity with their repeated administration. Seven intravenous iron formulations are available. Confusion concerning the relative toxicities of the different formulations abounds. The similarities and differences are discussed. Iron repletion has been associated with adverse outcomes in infections. The relationship, if any, between intravenous iron administration and infections is reviewed. The potential advantages of total dose infusion (TDI), complete repletion in a single setting, are highlighted. A new paradigm for iron replacement therapy in iron deficiency anemia is presented.

Related Concept Videos

Routes of Drug Administration: Parenteral01:25

Routes of Drug Administration: Parenteral

The administration of drugs via parenteral routes allows for direct drug introduction into the systemic circulation, resulting in high bioavailability because the medication bypasses the harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and hepatic metabolism.
The intravenous route (IV) of drug administration can be further categorized into two types. The bolus injection administers the entire dose rapidly, while an intravenous infusion slowly delivers smaller doses steadily.
The IV route is often...
Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions01:24

Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions

Intermittent intravenous (IV) infusion is a method of drug administration where medications are delivered over short infusion periods followed by intervals of no drug delivery. This approach helps to prevent sustained high drug concentrations in the bloodstream, reducing the risk of adverse effects associated with prolonged exposure. Unlike continuous infusion, steady-state concentrations may not be achieved during a single dosing cycle but can be reached through repeated...
IV Infusion to Oral Dosing: Conversion Methods01:28

IV Infusion to Oral Dosing: Conversion Methods

The development of extended-release formulations has facilitated the transition from intravenous to oral medication, offering a more convenient and patient-friendly approach to drug administration. This transition, however, requires careful management to ensure that therapeutic drug levels are maintained, preserving efficacy and avoiding adverse effects. Understanding pharmacokinetic principles and dosage calculations is critical during this process.Pharmacokinetics of the...
Dosage Interval and Administration Route: Determination Methods01:19

Dosage Interval and Administration Route: Determination Methods

A medication’s effectiveness largely depends on its appropriate dosage and the route of administration. Dosage ensures that a sufficient drug concentration is maintained in the bloodstream to elicit the desired therapeutic effect without causing toxicity. The route of administration affects the drug's bioavailability, rate of absorption, and onset of action, which are crucial for achieving optimal therapeutic outcomes. Drug dosage calculations are critical to tailoring therapy to individual...
Drug Product Performance: In Vitro–In Vivo Correlation01:20

Drug Product Performance: In Vitro–In Vivo Correlation

In pharmaceutical development, it's crucial to establish a predictive in vitro–in vivo correlation (IVIVC) for two or more formulations to gain a comprehensive understanding of release properties. IVIVC reduces the need for costly in vivo studies and facilitates the establishment of meaningful dissolution specifications with significant cost savings and decreased regulatory burden. Furthermore, a meaningful IVIVC should predict Cmax and AUC within 20%, aligning with FDA guidance while adhering...
Bioavailability: Overview01:17

Bioavailability: Overview

Bioavailability refers to the proportion of an administered drug that reaches the systemic circulation in its active, unaltered form. It is a crucial pharmacokinetic parameter that determines the effectiveness of a drug in achieving its intended therapeutic outcomes. The route of administration significantly influences bioavailability, with intravenous administration achieving 100% bioavailability as the drug directly enters the bloodstream. In contrast, oral administration often results in...