Therapeutic Review
CALCIUM EDTA (EDETATE CALCIUM DISODIUM)

https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jepm.2018.04.001Get rights and content

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Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Effects

As calcium is vital for muscle contraction, the therapeutic form of EDTA is manufactured as calcium EDTA to avoid unnecessary chelation of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Instead, toxic metals such as lead and zinc, which have higher stability constants, will replace the Ca2+ ligand.1 Based on initial studies performed in laboratory rats, only 2% to 18% of EDTA is absorbed orally, whereas 95% to 98% is absorbed via parenteral administration (e.g., intramuscular, intravenous, and

Birds

Raptors commonly develop heavy metal toxicity through exposure to lead shot. Primary exposure occurs when the bird is shot directly with the pellet. Secondary exposure occurs when the animal consumes a prey item that has discrete heavy metal present or a stored concentration in its tissues. Secondary exposure will typically result in heavy metal being found within the gastrointestinal tract versus the pellet being located in the wing or shoulder girdle. Waterfowl usually ingest metallic items

Common Preparations Used in Veterinary Medicine

The FDA-approved human-labeled product is Edetate Calcium Disodium Injection Solution (Calcium Disodium Versenate): 200 mg/mL in 5 mL amps (1 g/amp). This product is manufactured by Valeant Pharmaceuticals International. The manufacturer recommends, when administering intravenously, to dilute the product to 2 to 4 mg/mL with 0.9% NaCl or 5% dextrose. If given intramuscularly, the manufacturer recommends adding 1 mL of lidocaine HCl 1% to each milliliter injected.17 Currently, there are no commercial

Summary

Calcium EDTA is commonly used for the treatment of heavy metal toxicity in humans and veterinary patients. A small number of research studies performed in avian species show a therapeutic benefit to parenterally administered 30 to 100 mg/kg CaEDTA every 12 to 24 hours. Although therapeutic level PK/PD studies in companion mammals are lacking, resolution of clinical signs and blood work abnormalities have been reported when 25 to 30 mg/kg is parenterally administered or concurrently administered

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