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

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 16, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

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.

Edetate calcium disodium side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

• little or no urination;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• numbness or tingly feeling;

• pink or red urine;

• feeling very thirsty; or

• fever, chills, pale skin, easy bruising.

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.

Common side effects of edetate calcium disodium may include:

• pain where the medicine was injected;

• fever, chills, tiredness, general ill feeling;

• muscle or joint pain;

• headache, tremors;

• nausea, vomiting, thirst, loss of appetite;

• sneezing, stuffy nose, watery eyes; or

• mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

succimer, Chemet

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because you will receive edetate calcium disodium in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include confusion, changes in mental status, or decreased urination.

What should I avoid after receiving edetate calcium disodium?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect edetate calcium disodium?

Other drugs may affect edetate calcium disodium, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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