Final answer:
The first line of treatment for iron overdose is decontamination, which involves removing any remaining iron from the stomach. Iron chelation therapy may be necessary in severe cases, and fluid resuscitation may also be needed to treat dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first line of treatment for iron overdose is decontamination. This involves removing any remaining iron from the stomach by inducing vomiting or using activated charcoal to absorb the iron. The patient may also be given a medication called deferoxamine to help remove excess iron from the body.
In severe cases, where there is organ damage or evidence of systemic toxicity, iron chelation therapy may be necessary. This involves using medications such as deferoxamine or deferiprone to bind and remove excess iron from the body.
Fluid resuscitation may also be necessary to treat dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that can occur as a result of iron overdose.