Edetate Disodium
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 9, 2024.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Edetate calcium disodium ([CH2N(CH2CO2H)2]2, also known as calcium EDTA or edetate disodium) is a chelating agent, and is capable of removing a heavy metal, such as lead or mercury, from the blood circulatory system. Edetate calcium disodium is used to treat lead poisoning. These agents also function as chelating agents in cosmetic formulations. Clinical tests reported no absorption of an EDTA salt through the skin, and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel found that these ingredients are safe as used in cosmetic formulations. In industry, EDTA is mainly used to sequester metal ions in aqueous solution, and to improve stability.[1][2]
Some examples of medications containing Edetate Disodium
- Acetaminophen 500 mg
- Claravis 30 mg
- Clarinex-D 12 Hour 2.5 mg / 120 mg
- Contrave bupropion hydrochloride 90 mg / naltrexone hydrochloride 8 mg
- Enjuvia 0.3 mg
- Excedrin Migraine (Geltab) acetaminophen 250 mg / aspirin 250 mg / caffeine 65 mg
- Isotretinoin 10 mg
- Isotretinoin 20 mg
- Midol Complete acetaminophen 500 mg / caffeine 60 mg / pyrilamine maleate 15 mg
- Montelukast Sodium 10 mg (base)
- Montelukast Sodium (Chewable) 4 mg (base)
- Montelukast Sodium (Chewable) 5 mg (base)
- Myorisan 40 mg
- Nardil 15 mg
- Promethazine HCl 12.5 mg
- Promethazine Hydrochloride 50 mg
- Promethazine Hydrochloride 25 mg
- Temazepam 30 mg
- Xartemis XR 325 mg / 7.5 mg
- Zenatane 40 mg
References
- [1]Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA. Final report on the safety assessment of EDTA, calcium disodium EDTA, diammonium EDTA, dipotassium EDTA, disodium EDTA, TEA-EDTA, tetrasodium EDTA, tripotassium EDTA, trisodium EDTA, HEDTA, and trisodium HEDTA. Int J Toxicol. 2002;21 Suppl 2:95-142. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12396676
- [2]Dave RH. Overview of pharmaceutical excipients used in tablets and capsules. Drug Topics (online). Advanstar. 10/24/2008 http://drugtopics.modernmedicine.com/drugtopics/Top+News/Overview-of-pharmaceutical-excipients-used-in-tabl/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/561047. Accessed 08/19/2011
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.