Sodium calcium edetate
Sodium calcium edetate, also called calcium disodium EDTA, is a chelating drug that binds lead and promotes its excretion, chiefly in urine.
Chelation: The binding of a metal ion by a molecule at multiple sites to form a stable complex. Edetate surrounds metal ions, allowing it to carry bound lead toward excretion.
Blood lead level: Blood lead level is the concentration of lead measured in a blood sample. Measurements help assess poisoning and determine whether chelation is warranted.
Disodium EDTA: Disodium EDTA is an EDTA salt without prebound calcium, used in some medical and laboratory applications. Unlike calcium disodium EDTA, it can bind body calcium and cause dangerous hypocalcemia.
Nephrotoxicity: Nephrotoxicity is kidney injury caused by a drug, chemical, or other toxic exposure. Edetate is cleared through the kidneys and can cause renal injury, especially with excessive dosing.
Coordination complex: A coordination complex consists of a central metal ion bonded to surrounding molecules or ions called ligands. Lead bound by EDTA forms this kind of chemical complex.
EDTA: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid is a synthetic ligand that binds many metal ions through multiple donor atoms. This drug is EDTA preloaded with calcium, which lead can displace.
Succimer: Succimer is an oral chelating drug used to treat lead poisoning, especially in children with moderate elevations. It is an alternative chelator that can be given orally in selected cases.
Edetate disodium: Edetate disodium is a sodium salt of EDTA used medically for selected indications, including severe hypercalcemia. It is a distinct salt and should not be confused with the lead-treatment formulation.
Hypocalcemia: Hypocalcemia is an abnormally low concentration of calcium in the blood. It is a major hazard if the calcium-free disodium salt is mistakenly used.
Ligand: A ligand is an atom, ion, or molecule that donates electron pairs to bind a central atom or ion. EDTA acts as a multidentate ligand that binds lead.