Edetate Calcium Disodium

Edetate Calcium Disodium is a chelating agent used 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.

• Edetate Calcium Disodium is available under the following different brand names: Calcium Disodium Versenate

Common side effects of Edetate Calcium Disodium include:

• fever
• chills
• tiredness
• muscle or joint pain
• numbness or tingly feeling
• tremors
• runny or stuffy nose
• sneezing
• watery eyes
• mild skin rash
• headache
• pain where the medicine was injected

Serious side effects of Edetate Calcium Disodium include:

• hives
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• little or no urine
• light-headedness
• numbness or tingly feeling
• pink or red urine
• feeling very thirsty
• fever
• chills
• pale skin
• mood changes
• trouble concentrating
• changes in behavior or mental status
• irritableness

Rare side effects of Edetate Calcium Disodium include:

• none

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, coordination loss, unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, light-headedness, or passing out

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult and pediatric dosage

Injectable solution

• 200 mg/mL

Lead Chelation

Adult and pediatric dosage

• Asymptomatic, blood lead 20-70 mcg/dL
• 1 g/m2 IV/IM
• Symptoms of lead encephalopathy and/or blood lead level of more than 70 mcg/dL
• Use with dimercaprol (BAL) x 5 days
• IV: 50 mg/kg/day infused over 24 hours, OR 1 g/m2 infused over 8-24 hours
• IM: 250 mg/m2/dose every 4 hours
• After 5-day therapy is completed, wait at least 2 days before deciding to repeat the regimen

Lead nephropathy

• 500 mg/m2 IV/IM every 24 hours for 5 days
• Serum Cr 3-4 mg/dL: 500 mg/m2 IV/IM every 48 hours for 3 doses
• Serum Cr more than 4 mg/dL: 500 mg/m2 IV/IM every week
• May repeat the above regimens at 1-month intervals

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, healthcare provider, or pharmacist first.

• Edetate Calcium Disodium has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Edetate Calcium Disodium has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Edetate Calcium Disodium has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Edetate Calcium Disodium has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your healthcare professional or doctor for additional medical advice, health questions, or concerns.

Contraindications

• NA

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Edetate Calcium Disodium?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Edetate Calcium Disodium?”

Cautions

• Oliguria: discontinue if renal failure occurs (dosage adjustment if reduced creatinine clearance)
• Pain at injection site
• Do NOT use disodium edetate (Na2H2EDTA) for heavy metal toxicity
• May cause hypocalcemia-related tetany & even death

Pregnancy and Lactation

• May be acceptable during pregnancy
• Lactation
  • Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution