From the Guidelines
The duration of an intravenous iron infusion can range from 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the specific iron preparation being used and the dose required.
Factors Influencing Infusion Duration
- The type of intravenous iron formulation used, such as ferric carboxymaltose (FCM), low molecular weight iron dextran (LMWID), ferumoxytol, or iron sucrose, plays a significant role in determining the infusion duration 1.
- FCM, for example, can be administered in 15-30 minutes, as it allows for a large dose of 1000 mg to be given in a short period 1.
- LMWID, on the other hand, is typically administered as a 1000 mg infusion in 250 mL of normal saline over 1 hour, with an initial slow infusion or test dose to monitor for infusion reactions 1.
Administration Guidelines
- FCM should be diluted in 100 mL of normal saline and infused over 20-30 minutes, with precautions to observe for acute onset of minor infusion reactions 1.
- LMWID should be administered as a 1000 mg infusion in 250 mL of normal saline, with options for initiating the infusion slowly or administering a test dose to monitor for infusion reactions 1.
Considerations for Patient Care
- Patients should be monitored for potential side effects, such as headache, flushing, or allergic reactions, during and after the infusion.
- The total time commitment for the procedure includes the infusion duration and the time required for observation after the infusion is complete.
From the Research
Duration of Intravenous Iron Infusion
The duration of an intravenous iron infusion can vary depending on the specific iron compound and dosage.
- Ferric carboxymaltose can be administered in a single and rapid session with a 15-minute infusion 2, 3, 4.
- Iron isomaltoside can be administered as a 1000 mg infusion over more than 15 minutes or 500 mg injection over 2 minutes 5.
- Iron sucrose is typically administered as repeated 200 mg infusions over 30 minutes 5.
- Ferric carboxymaltose doses of up to 1000 mg can be infused in a short time frame of 15 minutes 4.
- A single dose of ferric carboxymaltose of up to 1000 mg can be infused in 15 minutes 6.