Intravenous infusion of an iron preparation can occasionally result in a pseudo-allergic reaction which can be serious. The risk is lower today due to discontinuation in the use of high-molecular-weight iron dextran.
Mechanism of reaction: complement-activation
Intravenous iron preparations:
(1) ferric carboxymaltose
(2) ferric gluconate
(3) ferumoxytol
(4) iron isomaltoside
(5) iron sucrose
(5) LMW iron dextran
Symptoms of a mild reaction:
(1) back or joint pain
(2) flushing
(3) hypertension
(4) itching
(5) sense of heat
(6) slight chest tightness
(7) urticaria
Symptoms of moderate reaction:
(1) cough
(2) dyspnea
(3) hypotension
(4) significant chest tightness
(5) tachycardia
Symptoms of severe reaction:
(1) cyanosis
(2) loss of consciousness
(3) periorbital edema
(4) wheezing
(5) stridor
(6) cardiac arrest
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
