edetate calcium disodium

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum:  

Action: edetate calcium disodium works by binding to metal ions and forming stable, water-soluble complexes that can be excreted in the urine. It has a high affinity for calcium, lead, and other divalent metal ions, and can also bind to trivalent metal ions such as aluminum and iron. By removing these metal ions from the body, edetate calcium disodium can help to reduce the toxic effects of heavy metals. 

Spectrum: edetate calcium disodium is effective against a wide range of heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic. It can also be used to treat hypercalcemia (elevated levels of calcium in the blood), particularly in patients with kidney failure.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Fatigue 

Renal tubular necrosis 

Anorexia 

Cheilosis 

Hypercalcemia 

Dysrhythmias 

Bone marrow depression 

Increased prothrombin times 

Malaise 

Zinc depletion 

Pain at site 

Inverted T-waves 

Nausea/vomiting 

Anemia 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning:

edetate calcium disodium (also known as calcium disodium EDTA) is related to the risk of acute toxicity and death associated with its use. edetate calcium disodium is a chelating agent that is used to treat lead poisoning and to lower blood calcium levels in certain medical conditions. 

The black box warning for edetate calcium disodium states that the drug should only be used in patients with moderate to severe lead poisoning, and only if the benefits of the drug outweigh the risks. The warning also emphasizes that the drug should only be administered by healthcare professionals with experience in the use of chelating agents and in the management of acute toxicity.  

The black box warning also cautions that the drug can cause serious adverse reactions, including acute renal failure, hypocalcemia, hypotension, and arrhythmias. Patients receiving edetate calcium disodium should be carefully monitored for signs of these adverse reactions, and treatment should be discontinued immediately if they occur. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:   

Hypersensitivity: People who have a hypersensitivity to edetate calcium disodium or any of its components should not use the drug as it is contraindicated in such cases. It can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. 

Renal impairment: The drug is contraindicated in patients with renal impairment as it may exacerbate the condition. The drug is primarily excreted by the kidneys, and its usage may result in acute renal failure, particularly among patients with prior renal disease. 

Hepatic impairment: edetate calcium disodium is contraindicated in patients with hepatic impairment as it can cause liver damage. The liver metabolizes the drug, and its utilization may cause hepatotoxicity, particularly among patients with pre-existing liver disease 

Hypocalcemia: The drug is contraindicated in patients with hypocalcemia as it can further lower calcium levels. edetate calcium disodium chelates calcium ions and can lead to hypocalcemia, which can cause tetany, seizures, and other serious adverse effects. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:

calcium EDTA, which is also called edetate calcium disodium, acts as a chelating agent. that is used to treat heavy metal poisoning. It works by binding to heavy metals in the body, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, and forming stable complexes that are then excreted in the urine. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

The pharmacodynamics of edetate calcium disodium involve the formation of stable complexes with certain heavy metals, allowing for their removal from the body through urine excretion. 

MOA: The mechanism of action of edetate calcium disodium is based on its ability to form strong complexes with divalent and trivalent metal ions, including lead, mercury, and cadmium. These complexes are stable and water-soluble, allowing them to be easily eliminated from the body through urine excretion. 

Pharmacokinetics:  

Absorption 

edetate calcium disodium is administered via intravenous (IV) injection, so absorption is immediate and complete. 

Distribution 

Following IV injection, edetate calcium disodium is distributed throughout the body.  

Metabolism 

 edetate calcium disodium is not metabolized in the body. 

 Excretion and Elimination 

edetate calcium disodium is eliminated primarily through the kidneys. The half-life of edetate calcium disodium is approximately 1 hour. In patients with renal insufficiency, the half-life may be prolonged. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

The medication is given to patients through an intravenous (IV) infusion, which involves administering it directly into a vein in the patient’s arm or hand.  

Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dose for you. 

You may be given other medications, such as a diuretic, to help increase the excretion of lead from your body. 

After the infusion, you may be instructed to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the medication and any remaining lead from your system. 

Follow all instructions provided by your healthcare provider, and do not stop the medication early without consulting with them. 

Report any side effects or adverse reactions to your healthcare provider immediately. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: edetate calcium disodium 

Why do we use edetate calcium disodium? 

edetate calcium disodium, also known as calcium disodium EDTA, is a chelating agent that is commonly used in medicine and food processing. 

In medicine, it is used to treat heavy metal poisoning, particularly lead poisoning, by binding to the metal ions and facilitating their excretion from the body. It is also used to prevent the formation of kidney stones by chelating with the calcium in urine and preventing it from crystallizing. 

In food processing, edetate calcium disodium is used as a preservative to prevent discoloration and rancidity, particularly in fatty foods. It also helps to improve the texture of processed meats and seafood. 

Overall, the use of edetate calcium disodium is based on its ability to chelate metal ions and prevent unwanted reactions, such as heavy metal toxicity or oxidative rancidity.