Reduction of reaction due to iron dextran infusion using chloroquine.

The use of promethazine and chloroquine sulphate to reduce reaction to total dose infusion of iron dextran (Imferon) is described. The patients chosen for the investigation were anaemic pregnant African women living in the coastal region of East Africa where malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum is holoendemic. The results show that promethazine has little value in the reduction of reactions whereas chloroquine appears to be effective.