HealthNotes

Your source for all nutrition related information

Start A Search, Or Explore HealthNotes Through The Featured Articles

Search Healthnotes

Iron Dextran

Warning

Rarely, iron dextran for injection has caused severe (sometimes fatal) allergic reactions. It should be used only when clearly needed and when a patient is unable to take iron by mouth (oral forms).

Get medical help right away if you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as trouble breathing, dizziness, rash, or itchy skin.

Precautions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: severe allergic reactions, asthma, bleeding problems (such as hemophilia), heart disease (such as chest pain, heart attack, heart failure), Hodgkin's disease, autoimmune disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus), kidney disease (such as infection), liver disease.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Side Effects

Flushing, tingling of the hands/feet, shivering, or dizziness may occur. The area around the injection site may be tender, irritated, or discolored (brown). If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Some people may experience a delayed reaction 1 to 2 days after their treatment. These side effects (such as back/joint/muscle aches, chills, fever, headache, nausea/vomiting) usually lessen within 3 to 4 days if the medication was injected into a vein or within 3 to 7 days if the medication was injected into a muscle. Tell your doctor if any of these side effects last or get worse more than 4 to 7 days after your treatment.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: abdominal pain, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, severe headache, blurred vision.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Copyright © 2025 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.

RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

Learn more about First DataBank

There are some limitations on the information provided in “Nutrient Interactions.” Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. Please read the disclaimer.

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

TraceGains and/or its suppliers make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of this content herein or that of any organization referred or linked to within this content and will not be liable for any damages arising out of your access to or use of any information found herein or that of any organization referred to within this content.

Information expires December 2025.