Brand Name(s): Disodium EDTA, Endrate

Generic Name Edetate Disodium

What is edetate disodium?

EDETATE DISODIUM, EDTA (Chealamide^®, Disotate^®, Endrate^®) treats a condition called hypercalcemia, in which there is too much calcium in the blood. Edetate disodium can also treat irregular heart beats caused by too much digitalis (digoxin or digitoxin). Generic edetate disodium injections are available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive edetate disodium?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• hardening of the arteries
• heart disease or heart failure
• kidney disease or absence of urine
• low levels of calcium or potassium in the blood
• seizures (convulsions)
• tuberculosis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to edetate disodium, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Edetate disodium is for slow infusion into a vein. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with edetate disodium?

• calcium salts
• heart medicine
• insulin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving edetate disodium?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• back pain
• bloody or cloudy urine
• fever or chills
• increased thirst
• irregular heartbeat
• lightheadedness or fainting spells
• muscle rigidity (stiffness), muscle cramps or pain
• numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• pain, burning, or swelling at the injection site
• pain or difficulty passing urine, urgent need to pass urine, especially at night
• seizures (convulsions)
• skin rash
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach pain

What should I watch for while taking edetate disodium?

Your condition will be closely monitored while you receive edetate disodium.

Edetate disodium can cause postural hypotension. Remain in bed for a short time after receiving the infusion. Do not sit or stand up quickly, this reduces the chance of dizzy or fainting spells.

Edetate disodium contains large amounts of sodium and should be used with caution in patients on sodium-restricted diets.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 °C (59 and 86 °F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.