What is the primary treatment for acute iron toxicity?

Prepare for the New Zealand Pharmacology Exam for Midwifery Students with comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question is accompanied by hints and explanations. Boost your confidence and ace your exam!

The primary treatment for acute iron toxicity is desferrioxamine medication. Desferrioxamine is a chelating agent that binds to free iron in the bloodstream, facilitating its excretion from the body, primarily through the kidneys. This is particularly important in cases of iron overdose, where excess iron can cause significant cellular damage, leading to severe systemic toxicity and complications such as multi-organ failure.

Administering desferrioxamine helps reduce the iron load effectively, minimizing the harmful effects associated with iron toxicity. This treatment is critical, especially in acute scenarios where high levels of iron can overwhelm the body's ability to regulate and excrete it safely.

Other options, such as iron supplements or vitamin C therapy, would exacerbate the condition, as they would increase iron levels in the body rather than address the toxicity. Calcium infusion does not play a role in treating iron toxicity and is unrelated to the mechanism of iron poisoning management. Recognizing the role of desferrioxamine in chelating excess iron is essential for effective clinical intervention during acute iron toxicity cases.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy