Edetic acid (Edetic acid)
Overview of Edetic acid
A chelating agent used mainly in the form of its salts for treatment of poisoning by substances such as heavy metals, cyanide, and Organophosphorus compounds. The salts form chelates with metal ions such as lead and mercury and promote the excretion of the metals from the body in a relatively nontoxic form.
Indication of Edetic acid
Edetic acid is primarily indicated in conditions like Anticoagulant, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Digitalis induced arrythmias, Hypercalcaemia.
Contraindication of Edetic acid
Edetic acid is contraindicated in conditions like Renal diseases,Anuria,Hepatitis,Pregnancy.
Side Effects of Edetic acid
Edetic acid produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Cerebral edema, Encephalopathy, Renal tubular damage. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Edetic acid therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Edetic acid include Broncho-constriction.
Precautions of Edetic acid
Urine flow must be monitored throughout therapy which must be stopped if anuria or severe oliguria develop. The proximal tubule hydropic degeneration usually recovers upon cessation of therapy. Calcium EDTA must be used in reduced doses in patients with pre-existing mild renal disease. Patients should be monitored for cardiac rhythm irregularities and other ECG changes during intravenous therapy.