Material Safety Data Sheet for Sodium Ferric Gluconate Complex (USAN)

Identification

Product Name: Sodium Ferric Gluconate Complex
Synonyms: Ferric Sodium Gluconate Complex, Ferrlecit
Chemical Formula: C66H121FeNaO65
CAS Number: 34089-81-1
Intended Use: Parenteral iron replacement therapy, pharmaceutical ingredient
Manufacturer Information: Individual manufacturer and distributor details are found on product packaging; always consult the supplier for specific emergency contact numbers.
Emergency Contact: Local poison control and regional emergency numbers provide best direct response for on-site exposures or spills.

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to GHS criteria, but improper handling poses risks to health.
Potential Health Effects: May cause irritation to eyes, skin, or mucous membranes on direct exposure; inhalation of dust may lead to respiratory discomfort; ingestion in large doses causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; occupational exposure requires attention to allergic reactions and chronic ingestion risks.
Label Elements: No universal pictogram required; use caution phrases such as Keep out of reach of children or Avoid contact.
Other Hazards: Iron overload from accidental or large exposure places children at high risk for acute toxicity.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Sodium Ferric Gluconate Complex
Common Name: Sodium Ferric Gluconate
Concentration: Active ingredient typically over 95% purity in pharmaceutical grade; trace elements may include sodium chloride and water for injection.
CAS No.: 34089-81-1

First Aid Measures

Eyes: Flush eyes gently with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids lifted. Seek medical attention for persistent sensitivity or pain.
Skin: Wash skin with soap and water; if redness or irritation appears, contact a health care provider. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Support breathing; consult a physician if symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath do not clear quickly.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; drink water to dilute, but do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical professionals. For accidental overdose, treat as a potential medical emergency and contact poison control urgently.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Agents: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, and foam work for most secondary fires.
Specific Hazards: Substance itself does not burn, but dried residues may contribute minor combustion products under strong heat; keep away from excessive heat as complex decomposition releases iron oxides and sodium compounds.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gear to avoid inhalation of gases and smoke from burning packaging or surroundings.
Special Precautions: Prevent run-off water from entering drains, as elemental iron compounds can affect water chemistry in significant quantities.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, eye protection, and lab coat or apron; avoid breathing dust, especially during cleanup of powdered or dried material.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spills from reaching surface waters and sewer systems; contain bulk liquid using inert absorbents such as sand or clay.
Cleanup Methods: Absorb spillage with inert materials and transfer for disposal according to local environmental rules; wash area well with water following solid removal.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use with adequate ventilation; minimize dust generation during weighing and preparation; always close containers tightly after removing material.
Storage: Keep containers stored upright at room temperature, protected from excessive light and moisture. Maintain storage area free from incompatible substances such as strong acids or bases.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Not established specifically for sodium ferric gluconate; for iron salts OSHA PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit): 1 mg/m3 (as iron fume).
Appropriate Engineering Controls: Work under fume hood or use local exhaust ventilation in case of powder handling.
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, disposable gloves, lab coat; NIOSH-approved mask for large dust concentrations; no open-toe shoes in work area; eyewash and emergency shower should be nearby.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Brown to orange-red amorphous powder or dark brown liquid concentrate.
Odor: Slight, characteristic odor sometimes present; not persistent.
Solubility: Completely soluble in water, limited in non-polar solvents.
pH: 7.7 - 9.7 (at typical injectable concentration).
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Not defined due to complex nature.
Boiling Point: Aqueous solutions boil at water’s standard boiling point; solid decomposes before boiling.
Other Data: Stable under normal storage; reacts with strong oxidizing or reducing agents.

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Product remains stable in sealed containers under recommended conditions.
Incompatible Materials: Avoid contact with strong acids which decompose the iron complex, producing free iron ions and gluconic acid.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Thermal decomposition or exposure to high temperatures releases iron oxides, sodium compounds, and potentially toxic organic vapors.
Hazardous Polymerization: No known hazard from polymerization under standard working conditions.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Large oral doses cause gastrointestinal distress, liver injury, and risk of systemic iron overload, particularly in children.
Chronic Toxicity: Prolonged high exposure leads to hemochromatosis or organ iron deposition.
Sensitization: Rare skin or respiratory sensitization in individuals with hypersensitivity to iron compounds.
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: No components comprised in this complex classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic by IARC, NTP, OSHA, or ACGIH.
Other Effects: Therapeutic use in patients with known iron metabolism disorders raises the danger for adverse effects.

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: High amounts in water affect aquatic organisms through iron deposition; not expected to bioaccumulate significantly but disrupts natural water iron levels.
Persistence and Degradability: Iron and gluconate quickly dissociate and degrade under normal water/soil conditions; sodium salts stay soluble and mobile.
Mobility in Soil: The complex is water-soluble, may leach through soil profiles if disposed without treatment.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose unused, excess, or contaminated product in accordance with local, regional, or national environmental regulations.
Precautions: Do not discharge untreated product into watercourses, surface waters, or soil; consult hazardous waste contractor as required by local healthcare or pharmaceutical protocol.
Container Handling: Triple-rinse containers before recycling or disposal; follow established law for sharps or injectable vials.

Transport Information

UN Number: Product not assigned a UN number for domestic or international transport.
Shipping Name: Not regulated as a dangerous good unless formulated with other hazardous components.
Hazard Class: Not classified under DOT, TDG, IMDG, or IATA regulations.
Packaging Recommendations: Use sturdy, leak-proof containers with tamper sealing to prevent spills during shipment; secure with absorbent packing material if shipped in bulk.

Regulatory Information

US Regulations: Not listed as a hazardous substance under SARA Title III, CERCLA, or RCRA; included in inventory for pharmaceutical substances by FDA.
EU Regulations: No classification required under REACH for human medicinal products; consult ECHA database for updates on handling or environmental safety notices.
Other Regional Standards: Compliance with local national pharmaceutical and chemical safety laws enforced through specific agency listing; some states require worker right-to-know documentation.