Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Disotate, Endrate

Generic Name: edetate disodium (EDTA) (Pronunciation: E de tate dye SOE dee um)

What is edetate disodium (Disotate, Endrate)?

Edetate disodium (EDTA) is a chelating (KEE-late-ing) agent. A chelating agent is capable of removing a heavy metal, such as lead or mercury, from the blood.

EDTA is used to lower blood levels of calcium when they have become dangerously high. EDTA is also used to control heart rhythm disturbances caused by a heart medication called digitalis (digoxin, Lanoxin).

EDTA may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of edetate disodium (Disotate, Endrate)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

feeling like you might pass out; or
severe blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.

Less serious side effects include:

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
numbness or tingling (especially around your mouth);
headache; or
pain, redness, or swelling where the needle is placed.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about edetate disodium (Disotate, Endrate)?

EDTA is given in a hospital or emergency setting. The medicine must be given slowly through a needle placed in your vein. The infusion can take at least 3 hours to complete.

If possible before you receive this medication, tell your caregivers if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, a heart rhythm disorder, diabetes, low potassium (hypokalemia), or a history of seizures, brain tumor, or head injury.

In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you are treated with EDTA to tell your caregivers about any health conditions you have or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows that you have received this medication.

After treatment with EDTA, you will be watched to make sure the medication has been effective and you no longer have any effects of high calcium levels.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving edetate disodium (Disotate, Endrate)?»

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.