A 25-year-old woman is brought after ingesting 40 tablets of ferrous sulphate (each 300 mg). She is drowsy, vomiting blood, and has severe abdominal pain. Abdominal X-ray shows multiple radiopaque tablets in the stomach. The antidotal therapy of choice is:
- A N-acetylcysteine
- B EDTA
- C Deferoxamine ✓
- D Penicillamine
Correct answer: C. Deferoxamine
Explanation
Deferoxamine is the specific chelating agent for acute iron overdose. It binds free iron in the bloodstream and forms ferrioxamine, which is excreted by the kidneys, producing a vin rose color in urine. EDTA is used for lead poisoning. N-acetylcysteine is for paracetamol overdose. Penicillamine is used for Wilson's disease and copper/lead poisoning. Whole bowel irrigation is also indicated if tablets are visible on X-ray.
Reference: Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies, 11th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.