Hemin
Panhematin is a brand-name injectable medication containing hemin, derived from red blood cells, used to treat acute intermittent porphyria and related porphyric conditions. It works by suppressing the overproduction of porphyrin precursors that cause porphyria attacks, providing relief from severe symptoms such as abdominal pain, neurological complications, and psychiatric manifestations. This medication is typically administered in healthcare settings when initial treatments prove insufficient.
Panhematin is an injectable hemin-based therapy used to manage acute porphyria attacks by reducing toxic porphyrin precursor production.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 7887
- Generic
- Panhematin
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- 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.
Treatment of acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), variegate porphyria, and hereditary coproporphyria in adults and adolescents. Used for moderate to severe attacks with significant symptoms affecting the nervous system, abdomen, or mental status.
Hemin works by providing exogenous heme, which acts as a negative feedback inhibitor of delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) synthase, the rate-limiting enzyme in heme biosynthesis. This suppresses the overproduction of porphyrin precursors and ALA that accumulate in porphyria and cause toxic effects.
Administered via intravenous infusion over 10-15 minutes once daily for up to 14 days. May cause iron accumulation with repeated use; monitor iron studies. Contraindicated in certain conditions; may interact with estrogens, barbiturates, and other drugs that induce ALA synthase. Phlebitis at the infusion site can occur.
Official drug label
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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 August 9, 2026. · Read our editorial policy