Iron dextran is an injectable complex comprising ferric hydroxide and a low-molecular-weight fraction of dextran. Iron dextran is a type of intravenous iron agent specifically used for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia[1].
In vitro, Iron dextran(1.9–4000μg/ml; 24h) exhibited certain cytotoxicity to HepG2 cells, with a half - inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 1178μg/ml. When used in combination with TQ (thymoquinone), TQ at a specific dose would enhance its toxicity[2].
In vivo, Iron dextran (200mg/kg/every other day; 1,2,3 or 4 weeks; i.p.) induces iron overload and CTSB/CTSD up-regulation in the liver and spleen of mice[3]. Iron dextran (0, 1.1, 3.3 and 9.9mg/(100g·bw·d); 4 weeks; i.g.) played an important role in improving iron deficiency anemia, promoting vitamin D metabolism and activation, regulating iron metabolism balance, and promoting growth and development in rats[4].
References:
[1] Failla S, Nicolas S, Parmar M. Iron Dextran. 2024 Feb 15. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–.
Failla S, Nicolas S, Parmar M. Iron Dextran. 2024 Feb 15. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 32491679.
[2] Ghasemi F, Ghaffari F, Omidifar N, Taheri Azandaryani M, Nili-Ahmadabadi A. Hepatic Response to the Interaction Between Thymoquinone and Iron-Dextran: an In Vitro and In Vivo Study. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2023 Mar;201(3):1358-1367.
[3] Liang M, Chen L, He Q, Mi X, Qu L, Xie J, Song N. Intraperitoneal injection of iron dextran induces peripheral iron overload and mild neurodegeneration in the nigrostriatal system in C57BL/6 mice. Life Sci. 2023 May 1;320:121508.
[4] Qiu F, Li R, Gu S, Zhao Y, Yang L. The effect of iron dextran on vitamin D3 metabolism in SD rats. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2022 Jul 16;19(1):47.
















