Vetdrugs 2.0Iron sucrose is an intravenous iron–carbohydrate complex used to replace deficient iron stores. Veterinary use is extra-label and less extensively documented than that of iron dextran. Its potential role is parenteral replacement in selected dogs or cats with confirmed iron deficiency, particularly when adequate enteral replacement is difficult.
Group
Intravenous iron supplement
Mechanism of Action
Reticuloendothelial processing separates iron from the sucrose complex. Released iron is stored as ferritin or transferred to circulating transferrin for delivery to marrow and other tissues. Iron supplied to erythroid precursors is incorporated into hemoglobin, supporting red-cell production when insufficient available iron is limiting erythropoiesis. The response depends on the underlying cause of anemia.
Dose Rates
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron-deficiency anemia | 2–3 mg/kg | IV | Elemental iron. Slow IV over 2–5 minutes; up to five administrations within 14 days, total ≤15 mg/kg/14 days. Interval must be prescribed and prior cumulative dose checked; simple repeat-dose calculation cannot enforce this cap. |
Cats
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron-deficiency anemia | 2–3 mg/kg | IV | Elemental iron. Slow IV over 2–5 minutes; up to five administrations within 14 days, total ≤15 mg/kg/14 days. Interval must be prescribed and prior cumulative dose checked; simple repeat-dose calculation cannot enforce this cap. |
Indications
- Specialist parenteral replacement of confirmed iron deficiency or iron-deficiency anemia in selected dogs and cats, with limited veterinary regimen-specific efficacy evidence.
Contraindications
- Iron overload
- Anemia without iron deficiency
- Serious hypersensitivity to the product
- IM or SC administration of the IV formulation
Interactions
- Do not mix with other drugs; only the established saline dilution is described.
Adverse effects
- Hypotension
- Hypersensitivity
- Nausea or vomiting
Toxicity
Overdose can cause iron overload and severe systemic toxicity. Stop the infusion and treat hypersensitivity or hypotension promptly.
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venofer 20 mg elemental iron/mL 100 mg elemental iron as iron sucrose per 5 mL. IV only; not an IM/SC iron preparation. | Injection | 20 mg / mL | IV |
Monitoring and Administration
Monitor CBC and iron status and observe for acute infusion reactions.
Doses and Venofer strength are elemental iron amounts as iron sucrose. Administer slowly IV; do not use IM or SC. Use diluted solutions promptly and do not freeze.
A listed course uses 2–3 mg/kg over 2–5 minutes and up to five administrations in 14 days, with cumulative exposure no more than 15 mg/kg in that period. Exact spacing is not specified; do not convert this to an automatic repeated schedule.