Edetate Calcium Disodium

Generic Name: edetate calcium disodium

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Edetate Calcium Disodium

DESCRIPTION Edetate Calcium Disodium injection, USP is a sterile, injectable, chelating agent in concentrated solution for intravenous infusion or intramuscular injection. Each 5 mL single-dose vial contains 1,000 mg of edetate calcium disodium (equivalent to 200 mg/mL) in water for injection and sodium hydroxide (as pH adjuster). Chemically, this product is called [[N,N'-1,2-ethanediyl-bis[N-(carboxymethyl)-glycinato]](4-)-N,N',O,O',O N ,O N' ]-, disodium, hydrate, (OC-6-21)-Calciate(2-).

Overview

DESCRIPTION Edetate Calcium Disodium injection, USP is a sterile, injectable, chelating agent in concentrated solution for intravenous infusion or intramuscular injection. Each 5 mL single-dose vial contains 1,000 mg of edetate calcium disodium (equivalent to 200 mg/mL) in water for injection and sodium hydroxide (as pH adjuster). Chemically, this product is called [[N,N'-1,2-ethanediyl-bis[N-(carboxymethyl)-glycinato]](4-)-N,N',O,O',O N ,O N' ]-, disodium, hydrate, (OC-6-21)-Calciate(2-).

Uses

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

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 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.

Side Effects

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.

Interactions

Drug Interactions There is no known drug interference with standard clinical laboratory tests. Steroids enhance the renal toxicity of edetate calcium disodium in animals. 7 Edetate calcium disodium interferes with the action of zinc insulin preparations by chelating the zinc. 7

Warnings

WARNINGS Edetate calcium disodium injection is capable of producing toxic effects which can be fatal. Lead encephalopathy is relatively rare in adults, but occurs more often in pediatric patients in whom it may be incipient and thus overlooked. The mortality rate in pediatric patients has been high. WARNINGS See Boxed Warning. CONTRAINDICATIONS Edetate calcium disodium should not be given during periods of anuria, nor to patients with active renal disease or hepatitis.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy One reproduction study was performed in rats at doses up to 13 times the human dose and revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to edetate calcium disodium. 10 Another reproduction study performed in rats at doses up to about 25 to 40 times the human dose revealed evidence of fetal malformations due to edetate calcium disodium, which were prevented by simultaneous supplementation of dietary zinc. 11 There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

Storage

HOW SUPPLIED Edetate Calcium Disodium injection, USP 5 mL single-dose vial (NDC 64980-588-05 ) containing 200 mg of edetate calcium disodium per mL (1,000 mg per vial), in boxes containing 5 vials (NDC 64980-588-51 ). Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Edetate Calcium Disodium used for?

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.

What are the side effects of Edetate Calcium Disodium?

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.

Can I take Edetate Calcium Disodium during pregnancy?

Pregnancy One reproduction study was performed in rats at doses up to 13 times the human dose and revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to edetate calcium disodium. 10 Another reproduction study performed in rats at doses up to about 25 to 40 times the human dose revealed evidence of fetal malformations due to edetate calcium disodium, which were prevented by simultaneous supplementation of dietary zinc. 11 There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

What are the important warnings for Edetate Calcium Disodium?

WARNINGS Edetate calcium disodium injection is capable of producing toxic effects which can be fatal. Lead encephalopathy is relatively rare in adults, but occurs more often in pediatric patients in whom it may be incipient and thus overlooked. The mortality rate in pediatric patients has been high. WARNINGS See Boxed Warning. CONTRAINDICATIONS Edetate calcium disodium should not be given during periods of anuria, nor to patients with active renal disease or hepatitis.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.