edetate calcium disodium Health Article

Generic name(s):

edetate calcium disodium

Brand name(s):

Calcium Disodium Versenate

What is the most important information I should know about edetate calcium disodium?

You should not receive this medication if you are unable to urinate, or if you have active hepatitis or kidney disease.

Edetate calcium disodium is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein or muscle. You will receive this injection in a hospital or emergency setting.

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.

If possible before you receive this medication, tell your caregivers if you kidney disease.

In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you are treated to tell your caregivers about any health conditions you have or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for you afterward knows that you have received this medication.

What is edetate calcium disodium?

Edetate calcium disodium is a chelating (KEE-late-ing) agent. A chelating agent is capable of removing a heavy metal, such as lead or mercury, from the blood.

Edetate calcium disodium is used to treat lead poisoning.

Edetate calcium disodium may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving edetate calcium disodium?

You should not receive this medication if you are unable to urinate, or if you have active hepatitis or kidney disease.

If possible, before you receive edetate calcium disodium, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medication.

FDA pregnancy category B. Edetate calcium disodium is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, tell your doctor if you are pregnant before receiving this medication. It is not known whether edetate calcium disodium passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you are treated with edetate calcium disodium to tell your caregivers if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows that you have received this medication.

How is edetate calcium disodium given?

Edetate calcium disodium is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein or muscle. You will receive this injection in a hospital or emergency setting.

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.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful side effects, your blood and urine will need to be tested often. Your heart rate will be constantly monitored through electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG). This machine measures electrical activity of the heart. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with edetate calcium disodium.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since edetate calcium disodium is given by a healthcare provider, it is not likely that you will miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Tell your caregivers right away if you think you have received too much of this medicine. An overdose of edetate calcium disodium is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid after receiving edetate calcium disodium?

Follow your doctor's instructions about the amount of liquids you should drink while being treated with this medication. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can cause a harmful electrolyte imbalance.