About edetate calcium disodium
Chelating agent
Used for
- Treatment of lead poisoning, especially significant lead exposure.
- Not used to treat arsenic or mercury poisoning.
Usual adult dose
Lead poisoning: commonly 1,000 mg/m² daily by slow intravenous infusion or divided intramuscular doses for five days; regimen depends on severity.
Usual dose in children
Lead poisoning: commonly 1,000 mg/m² daily by slow intravenous infusion or divided intramuscular doses for five days; specialist-guided dosing is required.
Common side effects
- Kidney injury
- Fever or chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Low blood pressure with rapid infusion
Important warnings
- Monitor kidney function and urine output during treatment.
- Avoid anuria and use caution with kidney disease.
- Do not confuse with disodium edetate, which can cause fatal low calcium.
- Treatment requires monitoring of blood lead levels and essential minerals.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed; untreated severe lead poisoning also threatens the pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Lead can pass into breast milk; treatment and feeding decisions require specialist assessment.
Interactions
- May increase zinc loss and affect essential mineral levels.
- Avoid combining with other kidney-toxic medicines when possible.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.