CALCIUM EDETATE INJECTION

Calcium Edetate Injection (also known as Calcium Disodium EDTA) is a chelating agent used mainly to treat heavy metal poisoning, particularly lead poisoning.

🔹 Primary Uses of Calcium Edetate Injection:
🧪 Lead Poisoning (Plumbism)

Main use: binds to lead in the bloodstream and helps eliminate it through the urine.

Often used in moderate to severe cases, especially in children and industrial exposure.

🌡️ Other Heavy Metal Toxicity (off-label or less common)

May also be used (less commonly) for:

Cadmium

Zinc (in overload situations)

Not used for mercury or arsenic—other chelators like dimercaprol or DMSA are preferred there.

🔄 Diagnostic Use (EDTA lead mobilization test)

Sometimes used to test the body's lead burden by observing how much lead is excreted after administration.

💉 How It Works:
Chelation therapy: The EDTA binds to heavy metal ions in the blood.

The resulting complex is water-soluble and excreted through the kidneys.

💉 Administration:
IV (intravenous) or IM (intramuscular) injection.

Usually given over several days, depending on lead levels and patient condition.

Often used alongside hydration therapy to protect the kidneys.

⚠️ Precautions & Side Effects:
Kidney function must be closely monitored — chelation can be hard on the kidneys.

Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., calcium, zinc depletion) may occur.

Possible side effects:

Fever, chills

Nausea, vomiting

Injection site pain

Low blood pressure (rare but serious)

❗ Important Notes:
Not the same as disodium EDTA, which is more toxic and not approved for lead poisoning.

Must be used under strict medical supervision, especially in children.