Sodium calcium edetate

Sodium calcium edetate

Sodium calcium edetate (also known as Sodium calcium EDTA) is a chelating agent used to treat heavy metal poisoning, specifically lead poisoning and cadmium poisoning. It is a derivative of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), a compound noted for its ability to sequester metal ions.

Chemistry

Sodium calcium edetate is a salt of EDTA, a polyaminocarboxylic acid that is highly effective at binding metal ions. This property is due to the presence of four carboxylate and two amine groups in the EDTA molecule, which allow it to form multiple bonds with a single metal ion, effectively sequestering it.

Medical Use

In medicine, sodium calcium edetate is used as a chelating agent to treat heavy metal poisoning. It works by binding to the metal ions in the body, forming a stable complex that is then excreted in the urine. This reduces the concentration of the metal in the body, helping to alleviate symptoms of poisoning.

The most common use of sodium calcium edetate is in the treatment of lead poisoning. It is also used to treat cadmium poisoning, although this is less common.

Side Effects

Like all medications, sodium calcium edetate can cause side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney damage. Because of the risk of kidney damage, sodium calcium edetate should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing kidney disease.

See Also

• Chelation therapy
• Heavy metal poisoning
• Lead poisoning
• Cadmium poisoning

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