Edetate Calcium Disodium Injection is used to treat lead poisoning.
Edetate Calcium Disodium Injection, also known as calcium EDTA, is used to treat lead poisoning in hospital or clinic settings. It can be administered either intravenously (into the veins) or intramuscularly (into the muscle)1. Here are some important details about this injection:
Description: Edetate Calcium Disodium injection, USP, is a sterile, injectable chelating agent. It is available in concentrated solution form for intravenous infusion or intramuscular injection. Each 5 mL single-dose vial contains 200 mg of edetate calcium disodium2.
Indications and Usage: Edetate calcium disodium is indicated for the reduction of blood levels and depot stores of lead in both acute and chronic lead poisoning, as well as lead encephalopathy. It is used in both pediatric and adult patients2.
Warnings and Precautions:
Boxed Warning: Edetate calcium disodium injection is capable of producing toxic effects, which can be fatal. Lead encephalopathy, although relatively rare in adults, occurs more often in pediatric patients. The mortality rate in pediatric patients has been high. Patients with lead encephalopathy and cerebral edema may experience a lethal increase in intracranial pressure following intravenous infusion; therefore, the intramuscular route is preferred for these patients. In cases where the intravenous route is necessary, rapid infusion should be avoided, and the recommended daily dose should not be exceeded.
Contraindications: Edetate calcium disodium injection should not be given during periods of anuria (absence of urine production), nor to patients with active renal disease or hepatitis.
Side Effects: Common side effects include pain at the intramuscular injection site, headaches, and rash.
Overdosage: Inadvertent administration of 5 times the recommended dose, infused intravenously over a 24-hour period, to an asymptomatic 16-month-old patient with a blood lead content of 56 mcg/dL resulted in no symptoms. However, caution should always be exercised2.
Remember to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding the use of Edetate Calcium Disodium Injection in your specific situation. 😊