CapsulesClinical Overview
Deferiprone Capsules (250mg, 500mg) is an orally active bidentate iron chelator on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It binds ferric iron (Fe3+) in a 3:1 ratio and easily crosses cell membranes, selectively removing intracellular iron from hepatocytes and cardiomyocytes (superior cardiac iron clearance compared to desferrioxamine). Chelation complexes are excreted predominantly in the urine. Indicated for treatment of transfusional iron overload in patients with thalassemia major when deferoxamine or deferasirox therapy is contraindicated or inadequate.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Verified Clinical References
Usage Guidelines
Take orally 25 mg/kg body weight three times daily (total 75 mg/kg/day, maximum 100 mg/kg/day) with water. Can be taken with meals to reduce nausea. Regular compliance is vital to prevent cardiac iron toxicity.
General Administration Advice: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and treatment course. For oral medications, swallow with sufficient water. Never stop antibiotics, psychiatric medications, or antihypertensives abruptly without clinical direction.
Possible Side Effects
Common: Chromaturia (reddish-brown discoloration of urine), nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, arthralgia (joint pain), increased ALT. Rare/Severe: Severe agranulocytosis (can lead to fatal septic shock), neutropenia, and liver fibrosis.
*Note: Individual physiological responses vary. While many patients experience few or no side effects, notify your treating physician if adverse reactions persist or if hypersensitivity (angioedema, skin rash, dyspnea) occurs.
Precautions & Warnings
Black Box Warning: Agranulocytosis and neutropenia; monitor absolute neutrophil count (ANC) WEEKLY throughout therapy. Discontinue immediately if patient develops fever, sore throat, or symptoms of infection until ANC is confirmed. Do NOT take with aluminum-based antacids.
Schedule H (Prescription Required)
This medication is scheduled under statutory drug regulatory frameworks (CDSCO / Drugs & Cosmetics Rules). Dispensing requires a valid medical prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Self-medication or unsupervised dosage adjustment carries significant clinical risks.
Medical Disclaimer: Statutory Nutritional & Clinical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and price-transparency purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or clinical dietetic guidance. Dietary supplements, micronutrients, parenteral electrolytes, and specialized clinical nutrition should be used under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner or clinical nutritionist.