Sodium calcium edetate

Lore & Background

Sodium calcium edetate is a salt of edetate with two sodium atoms and one calcium atom. It belongs to the chelating agent family of medication. Its primary medical use is to treat lead poisoning, for which it is an alternative to succimer. The medication is given by slow injection into a vein or into a muscle. For lead encephalopathy, it is typically used together with dimercaprol. It may also be used to treat plutonium poisoning, but does not appear to be useful for poisoning by tetra-ethyl lead.

Reader's Guide

Sodium calcium edetate holds significance as a key treatment for lead poisoning, having been in medical use in the United States since 1953. Its mechanism involves binding to heavy metals, rendering them inert and facilitating their excretion in urine. The medication is an alternative to succimer and is often combined with dimercaprol for lead encephalopathy. Common side effects include pain at the injection site, kidney problems, diarrhea, fever, muscle pains, and low blood pressure. Benefits when needed in pregnancy are likely greater than the risks. Its inclusion on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines underscores its continued importance in global healthcare. Notably, edetate disodium (Endrate) is a different formulation without the same effects.

Did You Know?

• Sodium calcium edetate is a salt of edetate with two sodium atoms and one calcium atom.
• It came into medical use in the United States in 1953.
• It is an alternative to succimer for treating lead poisoning.
• Edetate disodium (Endrate) is a different formulation that does not have the same effects.