Which drug is used to decrease iron levels in patients with iron overload?

Desferrioxamine is the drug used to decrease iron levels in patients with iron overload. This medication is a chelating agent specifically designed to bind excess iron in the body, which is often a concern in conditions such as thalassemia, hemochromatosis, and repeated blood transfusions. By binding to free iron, desferrioxamine promotes its excretion through the kidneys, effectively reducing iron accumulation and preventing potential organ damage due to toxicity.

Cobalamin, commonly known as vitamin B12, is essential for red blood cell formation and neurological function but does not have a role in iron chelation or managing iron overload. Antibiotics target bacterial infections and have no effect on iron levels. Eculizumab is a monoclonal antibody used mainly in the treatment of complement-mediated disorders like paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), rather than for managing iron levels. Therefore, desferrioxamine is the appropriate choice for managing iron overload.