Monday March 29, 2010


Q: How to calculate Iron Dextran infusion dose in Anemia?

Answer: Intravenous injections of iron dextran are indicated for treatment of patients with documented iron deficiency in whom oral administration is unsatisfactory or impossible.

Dose (mL) = 0.0442 (Desired Hb - Observed Hb) x LBW + (0.26 x LBW)

LBW = Lean body weight in kg.

For males: LBW = 50 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch of patient’s height over 5 feet.

For females: LBW = 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg for each inch of patient’s height over 5 feet.

After administration of iron dextran complex, evidence of a therapeutic response can be seen in a few days as an increase in the reticulocyte count.