Edetate Calcium Disodium Injection
Overview
Edetate calcium disodium (CaEDTA) is a heavy metal chelating agent. Chelation therapy is a procedure where a substance (e.g., edetate calcium disodium) is given to a patient to draw out heavy metals from the body. The way it works is that the calcium atom in edetate calcium disodium is kicked off the molecule and replaced by divalent or trivalent metals to form a stable water soluble complex that can be excreted in the urine and/or G.I. tract. Edetate calcium disodium has an affinity to certain heavy metals (especially lead) over others. Aside from chelating lead, CaEDTA can bind to cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc. It is not very effective, however, for use in chelating arsenic, gold, or mercury.
Since CaEDTA chelates and eliminates zinc from the body, chronic chelation therapy may lead to zinc deficiency. As such, zinc supplementation should be considered in these patients. CaEDTA is contraindicated in patients with anuria and should be used with extreme caution and with dosage adjustment in patients with diminished renal function.
Indications
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.
How Supplied
Edetate calcium disodium was approved by the FDA in 1953 and is commercially available today as a 200 mg/mL injectable solution in 2.5 mL ampules.1 Patients that would benefit from its injectable administration may be prescribed compounded Edetate Calcium Disodium Injection as determined by a health care provider when the FDA approved option is not commercially available or if larger doses are needed. The most popular formulation compounded at Galleria Medical Pharmacy is Edetate Calcium Disodium 300 mg/mL Injectable Solution, though other strengths and formulations may be available upon request.
For best results, Edetate Calcium Disodium Injection should be administered under professional supervision by a healthcare practitioner. As per FDA regulations, compounds prepared by a pharmacy are not intended for office use (e.g., office stock of a drug that is administered to multiple patients). As such, this preparation requires a prescription, which is then administered to the specified patient by a healthcare practitioner at their practice.
Storage
Store this medication at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) and away from heat, moisture and light.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Throw away any unused medicine after the beyond use date. Do not flush unused medications or pour down a sink or drain.
Reference
- Calcium Disodium Versenate (edetate calcium disodium injection, USP) package insert. Bristol, TN: Graceway Pharmaceuticals, LLC. 2009 May.
Compounding Pharmacy Statement
This preparation is compounded with drug components whose suppliers are registered with the FDA. While Galleria Medical Pharmacy adheres to USP <797> guidelines and applicable state and federal regulations to meet the required quality standards, the statements made regarding this preparation have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety or clinical effectiveness. As such, this preparation is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For inquiries concerning this preparation, please contact (504) 267-9876.
