Which drug may be used to decrease iron levels in patients suffering from iron overload?

Desferrioxamine is a primary chelating agent used in the treatment of iron overload conditions, such as those occurring in patients with conditions like thalassemia or those requiring frequent blood transfusions. It functions by binding to excess iron in the bloodstream, facilitating its excretion by the kidneys. This is particularly important in preventing the complications of iron overload, which can include damage to vital organs like the heart and liver.

Desferrioxamine has a high affinity for ferric iron and promotes its elimination, thus effectively reducing iron levels in the body. Its administration is typically given via subcutaneous infusion due to its stability and the need for prolonged exposure to effectively remove excess iron.

In contrast, while other treatments like Desferasirox and Deferiprone are also chelators used for iron overload, they are not the primary agents historically used, with desferrioxamine being the standard treatment for many years. Vitamin C, on the other hand, can increase iron absorption and is not used for decreasing iron levels; instead, it may exacerbate iron overload by enhancing its absorption from dietary sources.