Desferal chelates iron by forming a stable complex that prevents the iron fromentering into further chemical reactions. It readily chelates iron fromferritin and hemosiderin but not readily fromtransferrin; it does not combine with the iron fromcytochromes and hemoglobin. Desferal does not cause any demonstrable increase in the excretion of electrolytes or trace metals. Theoretically, 100 parts by weight of Desferal is capable of binding approximately 8.5 parts by weight of ferric iron.

Desferal is metabolized principally by plasma enzymes, 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.

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