Hemin
Hemin is a heme-based medication used to treat acute porphyrias, a group of rare genetic disorders that affect the nervous system and skin. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of porphyrins, reducing the accumulation of toxic precursors that cause porphyria attacks. This medication is typically administered intravenously in hospital or clinic settings during acute episodes.
Hemin treats acute porphyria attacks by reducing toxic porphyrin production in the liver and bone marrow.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B06AB01
- RxNorm
- 5175
- Generic
- Hemin
- Class
- atc-b06
- Brands
- Panhematin
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring and obstetric assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only when acute porphyria crisis requires treatment
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only when benefits outweigh risks
fetal monitoring and assessment for labor
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
not applicablediscontinue breastfeeding or avoid
it is unknown if hemin passes into breast milk; discontinue breastfeeding during treatment
observe infant for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 18not established
safety and effectiveness not established in pediatric patients; use only if benefits outweigh risks
close monitoring for adverse reactions
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
over 65 yearsno specific adjustment
use with caution due to potential decreased renal and hepatic function
monitor renal and hepatic function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno specific adjustment
use with caution; monitor renal function
monitor renal function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno specific adjustment
use with caution; hemin is metabolized hepatically
monitor hepatic function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for acute intermittent porphyria treatment
Drug class
Therapeutic classification
Primary indication
Therapeutic use
Hemin is used for the treatment of acute intermittent porphyria, variegate porphyria, and hereditary coproporphyria in adults and adolescents experiencing acute attacks with moderate to severe symptoms.
Hemin acts as a negative feedback inhibitor of δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) synthetase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the porphyrin/heme biosynthetic pathway. By suppressing this enzyme, hemin reduces the hepatic and bone marrow production of porphyrin precursors, including ALA and porphobilinogen, which accumulate in acute porphyrias and cause neurovisceral symptoms.
Hemin should be initiated promptly at the first sign of an acute attack for optimal effectiveness. It requires intravenous administration through a large arm vein or central line to minimize the risk of phlebitis. Regular monitoring of liver function, hematologic parameters, and porphyrin precursor levels may be needed during treatment. Patients should be advised that repeated use may lead to decreased efficacy over time.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy