General MedicinePrescription OnlyPregnancy Cat. Not classifiedFDA Yes
Edetate Calcium Disodium
EDETATE CALCIUM DISODIUM
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Edetate calcium disodium is indicated for the reduction of blood levels and depot stores of lead in lead poisoning (acute and chronic) and lead encephalopathy, in both pediatric populations and adults. Chelation therapy should not replace effective measures to eliminate or reduce further exposure to lead.
Medically reviewed by MedCentralHub Medical Review Board, Licensed Pharmacists & Physicians ·
Brand names:Edetate Calcium Disodium
Quick Reference
Medicine ClassGeneral Medicine
FDA ApprovedYes
PregnancyCategory Not classified
Quick Facts
- Active ingredient
- EDETATE CALCIUM DISODIUM
- Medicine class
- General Medicine
- Brand names
- Edetate Calcium Disodium
- Availability
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Pregnancy category
- Not classified
- FDA approved
- Yes
What Is Edetate Calcium Disodium?
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Edetate calcium disodium is indicated for the reduction of blood levels and depot stores of lead in lead poisoning (acute and chronic) and lead encephalopathy, in both pediatric populations and adults. Chelation therapy should not replace effective measures to eliminate or reduce further exposure to lead.
Edetate Calcium Disodium (EDETATE CALCIUM DISODIUM) belongs to the General Medicine class of medications. It was first approved by the FDA in Yes. This medication requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Key Safety Information
- •Always follow the dose recommended by your healthcare professional. Taking more than prescribed increases the risk of side effects including serious complications.
- •Seek emergency care if you experience signs of an allergic reaction — hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash. Stop the medication and call your doctor immediately.
- •Some medications can increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, or any pre-existing health condition.
- •Avoid or limit alcohol while taking Edetate Calcium Disodium. Do not drink alcohol without first discussing it with your healthcare provider as it may increase adverse effects.
- •Take Edetate Calcium Disodium with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs. Stop use and talk to your doctor if you experience persistent stomach pain or GI symptoms.
- •Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take. Some combinations significantly increase the risk of harm.
This is a summary only. Always read the full prescribing information and consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Uses & Indications
Edetate Calcium Disodium is prescribed for the following conditions. Some uses are FDA-approved indications; others may be evidence-based off-label uses. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Edetate calcium disodium is indicated for the reduction of blood levels and depot stores of lead in lead poisoning (acute and chronic) and lead encephalopathy, in both pediatric populations and adults.
Chelation therapy should not replace effective measures to eliminate or reduce further exposure to lead.
Dosage Guide
The following are general dosing guidelines only. Your actual dose should be determined by your healthcare provider based on your condition, renal/hepatic function, and other medications.
AD
Adult Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION When a source for the lead intoxication has been identified, the patient should be removed from the source, if possible. The recommended dose of edetate calcium disodium for asymptomatic adults and pediatric patients whose blood lead level is < 70 mcg/dL but > 20 mcg/dL (World Health Organization recommended upper allowable level) is 1,000 mg/m 2 /day whether given via intravenous infusion or intramuscularly (see Surface Area Nomogram). For adults with lead nephropathy, the following dosing regimen has been suggested: 500 mg/m 2 every 24 hours for 5 days for patients with serum creatinine levels of 2 to 3 mg/dL, every 48 hours for 3 doses for patients with creatinine levels of 3 to 4 mg/dL, and once weekly for patients with creatinine levels above 4 mg/dL. These regimens may be repeated at one month intervals. 12 Edetate calcium disodium, used alone, may aggravate symptoms in patients with very high blood lead levels. When the blood lead level is > 70 mcg/dL o
Available Forms
Available Strengths
Side Effects
Common
- ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse effects have been associated with the use of edetate calcium disodium: Body as a Whole: pain at intramuscular injection site, fever, chills, malaise, fatigue, myalgia, arthralgia.
- Cardiovascular: hypotension, cardiac rhythm irregularities.
- Renal: acute necrosis of proximal tubules (which may result in fatal nephrosis), infrequent changes in distal tubules and glomeruli.
- Urinary: glycosuria, proteinuria, microscopic hematuria and large epithelial cells in urinary sediment.
- Nervous System: tremors, headache, numbness, tingling.
- Gastrointestinal: cheilosis, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, excessive thirst.
- Hepatic: mild increases in SGOT and SGPT are common, and return to normal within 48 hours after cessation of therapy.
Serious
- WARNINGS See Boxed Warning.
Rare
Medicine Interactions
Always inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about ALL medications you take, including prescriptions, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
MajorModerateMinor
Warnings & Contraindications
WARNINGS See Boxed Warning.
How Edetate Calcium Disodium Works
Pharmacokinetics
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety
Not classified
Breastfeeding
Many medications pass into breast milk in varying amounts. Before using Edetate Calcium Disodiumwhile breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider or pharmacist — they can weigh your dose, your infant's age, and available lactation safety data to find the safest option for you and your baby.
Storage & Handling
Store at room temperature. Keep away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
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- Detail
Edetate Calcium Disodium dosage guide
Adult, pediatric, renal, and hepatic dosing for Edetate Calcium Disodium
- Detail
Edetate Calcium Disodium side effects
Complete adverse effect profile including common, serious, and rare reactions
Sources & References
- • FDA Prescribing Information — Official labeling and package insert for Edetate Calcium Disodium
- • U.S. National Library of Medicine — MedlinePlus drug information
- • American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) — Clinical pharmacology monograph
- • PubMed / MEDLINE — View clinical studies
Last reviewed by MedCentralHub Medical Review Board · MedCentralHub Editorial Policy
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.