Edetate calcium disodium
Generic name: edetate calcium disodium [ ED-e-tate-KAL-see-um-dye-SOE-dee-um ]
Brand name: Calcium Disodium Versenate
Dosage form: injectable solution (200 mg/mL)
Drug class:Antidotes
What is edetate calcium disodium?
Edetate calcium disodium is a chelating (KEE-late-ing) agent that can remove a heavy metal from the blood.
Edetate calcium disodium is used to treat lead poisoning.
Edetate calcium disodium may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not receive edetate calcium disodium if you are unable to urinate, or if you have active hepatitis or kidney disease.
Edetate calcium disodium can have toxic effects in the body, which may cause life-threatening medical problems. Call your doctor at once if you have memory problems, mood changes, trouble concentrating, changes in behavior or mental status, or if you feel irritable.
Before taking this medicine
You should not receive edetate calcium disodium if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
active hepatitis;
active kidney disease; or
if you are unable to urinate.
If possible before you receive this medicine, tell your doctor if:
you have liver or kidney disease; or
you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
In an emergency, you may not be able to tell caregivers if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you received this medicine.
How is edetate calcium disodium given?
Edetate calcium disodium is injected into a muscle, or as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
When injected into a vein, edetate calcium disodium must be given slowly through an IV infusion and can take up to 12 hours to complete.
You will need frequent tests to make sure you are urinating enough. Edetate calcium disodium can harm your kidneys.
Your heart function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG).
A child treated with edetate calcium disodium may need to have x-rays to help the doctor determine the amount of lead circulating in the body.
