It acts by binding to iron and removes it from the blood stream

Indications iron overload caused by blood transfusions in adults and children at least 2 years old.

Cautions: Serum ferritin should be measured monthly to assess response to therapy and to evaluate for the possibility of over chelation of iron. If the serum ferritin falls consistently below 500 mcg/L, consideration should be given to temporarily interrupting therapy.

Contra-indications: Known sensitivity or allergy; kidney or liver disease; vision or hearing problems; or a weak immune system caused by disease (such as cancer, HIV)

Side effect: signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Severe skin rash; problems with vision or hearing; urinating less than usual or not at all; easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; drowsiness, confusion, mood changes; swelling or numbness in your hands or feet; or nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay- colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Less serious side effects may include: mild stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting; fever; mild skin rash; or headache, cough, sinus pain, runny or stuffy nose.

Dose: 20mg/kg body weight. It should be taken once daily on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before food, preferably at the same time each day. Tablets should not be chewed or swallowed whole. It should not be taken with aluminum-containing antacid products.

Doses (mg/kg per day) should be calculated to the nearest whole tablet. Tablets should be completely dispersed by stirring in water, orange juice, or apple juice until a fine suspension is obtained. doses of < 1 g should be dispersed in 3.5 ounces of liquid and doses of ≥ 1 g in 7.0 ounces of liquid. After swallowing the suspension, any residue should be resuspended in a small volume of liquid and swallowed.