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Edetate Disodium

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 10, 2023.

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]

List of medications using Edetate Disodium

References

  1. [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. [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

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