Deferoxamine (brand name Desferal) an iron chelator, is a drug for the treatment of acute iron intoxication and of chronic iron overload due to transfusion-dependent anemias. Deferoxamine chelates iron by forming a stable complex that prevents the iron entering into further chemical reactions. However, drug may cause hypersensitivity reactions, systemic allergic reactions, and cardiovascular, hematologic and neurological adverse reactions. Serious adverse reactions include significant hypotension and marked body weight loss. Principally plasma enzymes metabolize deferoxamine, but the pathways have not yet been defined. The chelate is readily soluble in water and passes easily through the kidney, giving the urine a characteristic reddish color. Some is also excreted in the feces via the bile.