edetate disodium

Edetate disodium is a synthetic chelating agent that binds polyvalent metal ions such as calcium and other divalent or trivalent metals. It is primarily used in emergency medicine for the rapid reduction of dangerously high serum calcium levels (hypercalcemia) and for the control of ventricular arrhythmias associated with digitalis toxicity. By forming stable complexes (chelates) with metal ions in the blood, it facilitates their excretion via urine. Edetate disodium has a wide therapeutic index but must be administered slowly by intravenous infusion to avoid adverse effects such as hypotension or negative cardiac inotropy. It is not absorbed through the skin and also finds use as an excipient and stabilizer in pharmaceutical formulations[1][3][4][5][6].

Brand names

DisotateEndrateMeritate

Other names

disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetatedisodium EDTAethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt