Proper Use
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor to benefit your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.
This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have questions.
If you are taking the oral liquid or tablet 3 times a day: It is best to take the first dose of this medicine in the morning, the second dose at mid-day, and the third dose in the evening with meals unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
If you are taking the tablet 2 times a day: Take the first dose in the morning and the second dose in the evening with food.
Use a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup to measure the oral liquid.
If you have trouble swallowing the tablet, you may use the oral liquid form of this medicine.
If you are taking antacids, multivitamins, or supplements containing aluminum, iron, and zinc, take these medicines at least 4 hours before or after taking deferiprone.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
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For chronic iron overload:
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For oral dosage forms (oral liquid):
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Adults and children 3 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. At first, 25 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight, 3 times a day (75 mg per kg per day). Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 33 mg per kg of body weight, 3 times a day (99 mg per kg per day).
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Children younger than 3 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For oral dosage forms (1000-mg tablets):
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Adults and children 8 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. At first, 75 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, given in 2 or 3 divided doses. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 99 mg per kg of body weight per day.
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Children younger than 8 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For oral dosage forms (500-mg tablets):
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Adults and children 8 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. At first, 25 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight, 3 times a day (75 mg per kg per day). Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 33 mg per kg of body weight, 3 times a day (99 mg per kg per day).
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Children younger than 8 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
You may store the oral liquid at room temperature for up to 8 weeks. Throw away any unused medicine after 8 weeks.
Keep the bottle tightly closed. Use the tablets dispensed only in its original container.
Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024
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