Chelation Therapy Dosages
- January 11, 2025
- Written by : Rebecca LaMarca, MSN, APN-BC, CNS
As with any medication or treatment, understanding the proper dosage of chelation therapy is important, and it varies based on how it’s administered. In this blog, we’ll explore the recommended dosages for chelation therapy and the different ways it can be delivered.
What Is Chelation Therapy?
Chelation therapy is a treatment that has long been used as a means to remove heavy metal toxins, like lead and mercury poisoning, but more recently, it’s been explored to treat heart disease, despite uncertainty around this use, according to the Mayo Clinic.1
Dosages for Chelation Therapy
The dosage and administration of chelation therapy depend on the type of chelation treatment and the severity of the interaction.
For acute iron intoxication, an intramuscular (IM) injection or intravenous (IV) administration is recommended, according to Aetna.2
IM and IV administration can also be used for chronic iron overload, with changes to dosage recommendations. In this situation, subcutaneous injections can also be used.
IM Injection
An intramuscular injection is best for people not in shock.
Acute Iron Intoxication
- Initial dose: 1,000 mg
- Additional doses: 500 mg every 4 to 12 hours
- Maximum daily dose: 6,000 mg in 24 hours
Chronic Iron Overload
- Daily dose: 500 to 1,000 mg
- Maximum daily dose: 1,000 mg
Chelation IV Therapy
IV administration is only to be used for people experiencing cardiovascular collapse. “As soon as the clinical condition permits, intravenous administration should be discontinued, and the drug should be administered intramuscularly,” according to Aetna.
Acute Iron Intoxication
- Initial dose: 1,000 mg administered at a rate of up to 15 mg/kg/hr
- Additional doses: 500 mg over 4 to 12 hours at a slower rate of up to 125 mg/hr
- Maximum daily dose: 6,000 mg in 24 hours
Chronic Iron Overload
- Recommended dose in adults: 40-50 mg/kg/day over 8 to 12 hours at up to 15 mg/kg/hour for 5 to 7 days
- Maximum daily adult dose: 60 mg/kg/day
- Recommended dose in pediatrics: 20-40 mg/kg/day over 8 to 12 hours for 5 to 7 days
- Maximum pediatric dose: 40 mg/kg/day
Subcutaneous Injection
- Average daily dose: 20-60 mg/kg
These dosage recommendations are specific to Hospira’s deferoxamine mesylate and Novartis’ Desferal, which are iron-chelating agents.
According to Mount Sinai, the dosage for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) chelation therapy for heavy metal toxicity delivered intravenously “varies depending on the size of the person and the amount of lead or other metal in the body.”3
Get Chelation Therapy at Home
At IV Elements, we offer at-home chelation therapy. Our formula is comprised of IV fluids and EDTA, a chemical solution used to treat lead and heavy metal poisoning. We offer three different chelation packages:
- Up to 0.8g for 30 minutes to 1 hour
- 0.9g-1.9g for 1-2 hours
- 2-3g for 3-4 hours
REFERENCES
- Chelation therapy: Can it treat heart disease? (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/expert-answers/chelation-therapy/faq-20157449
- Chelation Therapy – Medical Clinical Policy Bulletins | AETNA. Aetna. https://www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/200_299/0234.html
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. (n.d.). Mount Sinai Health System. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library
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