Also called sodium calcium edetate, a chelator for lead poisoning
Edetate calcium disodium
A chelating medicine given by infusion in hospital to bind and remove lead in people with lead poisoning.
What is Edetate calcium disodium?
Edetate calcium disodium, also called sodium calcium edetate, is a specialist medicine used to treat lead poisoning. It is a chelator, which means it grabs hold of lead in the body so it can be removed in the urine. It is given by a drip into a vein in hospital. Its most important risk is harm to the kidneys, so kidney function is monitored closely and good fluid intake is encouraged to help the kidneys cope. It is used under specialist supervision, usually for people with significant lead levels or symptoms.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Edetate calcium disodium — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Edetate calcium disodium, also known as sodium calcium edetate, is a chelating medicine used to treat poisoning with lead. A chelator works by binding tightly to a metal so the body can get rid of it. The medicine wraps around lead in the blood and tissues, forming a compound that is then passed out in the urine, lowering the harmful lead levels. It is given as an infusion into a vein in hospital under specialist supervision, usually for people who have significant amounts of lead in the body or who have symptoms of lead poisoning.
How it works
Lead poisoning happens when too much lead builds up in the body, where it can damage the nervous system, blood and other organs. Edetate calcium disodium binds to the lead, holding it in a stable form that the kidneys can filter out into the urine, so the body's lead burden falls. Because it already contains calcium, it removes lead without stripping out the body's own calcium. As it pushes a load of lead-containing compound through the kidneys, it can strain or harm the kidneys, which is why kidney function is watched closely and fluids are encouraged during treatment.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist supply.
A specialist hospital medicine used in the UK to treat lead poisoning, given by infusion to bind and remove lead from the body.
Practical use
How to take Edetate calcium disodium
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- It is given as a slow drip into a vein in hospital by a specialist team, not something you take yourself.
- Drinking enough fluids, or being given fluids, helps the kidneys cope and helps lead be flushed out.
- It is usually given in courses, with breaks, while lead levels and kidney function are checked.
- Removing the source of lead exposure is essential, otherwise the body keeps taking in more lead.
- Tell the team about any kidney problems, as these affect how the medicine is used and monitored.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Edetate calcium disodium
Advantages
- Binds to lead and removes it from the body, lowering harmful lead levels in lead poisoning.
- Because it contains calcium, it removes lead without stripping the body of its own calcium.
- Can relieve and prevent the serious effects of lead on the nerves, blood and other organs.
Disadvantages
- Can harm the kidneys, because it sends lead out through them, so close monitoring is needed.
- Must be given by infusion in hospital under specialist supervision.
- Does not work unless the source of lead exposure is also removed.
Practical use
Good to know
The most important safety point is that this medicine can harm the kidneys, because it works by sending lead out through them, so kidney function (and urine output) is checked closely before and during treatment and the medicine is paused or stopped if there are signs of kidney trouble. Keeping well hydrated helps the kidneys cope and helps the lead be flushed out. It is given as a slow infusion into a vein in hospital, usually in courses, and is reserved for people with significant lead poisoning rather than minor exposure. A crucial first step in any lead poisoning is removing the source of lead, otherwise the body keeps being re-exposed. The specialist team checks lead levels, kidney function and minerals such as calcium during treatment, and will also look for and treat any other effects of the lead itself.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- It is used with great caution, or avoided, in people with serious kidney problems or who are passing little or no urine.
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to it should not be given it.
- It is only used under specialist supervision, with monitoring of kidney function and lead levels.
Monitoring
- Kidney function and urine output checked before and during treatment.
- Blood lead levels checked to see how well treatment is working.
- Levels of minerals such as calcium and zinc, which can be affected by treatment.
Side effects
- Kidney problems, which is the main concern and the reason kidney function is monitored closely.
- Changes in body minerals, such as a fall in calcium or zinc, which may need correcting.
- Fever, headache, nausea or reactions where the drip is given.
Key interactions
- It can lower levels of certain minerals such as zinc, which the team monitors and may replace.
- Other medicines that can affect the kidneys are used with care alongside it.
- Tell the team about all your medicines and any kidney problems before treatment.
Available as: A solution given as an infusion into a vein in hospital.
Answers
Edetate calcium disodium: frequently asked questions
What is edetate calcium disodium used for?
It is a specialist medicine for lead poisoning; it binds to lead in the body so it can be passed out in the urine, lowering harmful lead levels.
Is it the same as sodium calcium edetate?
Yes, edetate calcium disodium and sodium calcium edetate are two names for the same chelating medicine used for lead poisoning.
Why does it need kidney monitoring?
It works by sending lead out through the kidneys, which can strain or harm them, so kidney function and urine output are checked closely during treatment.
How is it given?
It is given as a slow infusion into a vein in hospital by a specialist team, usually in courses while lead and kidney function are checked.
Why does the source of lead need removing?
Chelation lowers the lead already in the body, but if the source of exposure is not removed, the body simply keeps taking in more lead.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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