edetate disodium, a parenteral chelating agent used to lower plasma calcium levels. ▪ INDICATIONS: It should be prescribed only when clinical conditions such as hypercalcemic crisis or ventricular arrhythmia and heart block resulting from digitalis toxicity mandate aggressive therapy. It must be administered slowly and the recommended dosage should not be exceeded. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Hypocalcemia, kidney disease, or known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse effects are hypocalcemia, which can lead to tetany, arrhythmia, seizures, and death from respiratory arrest. Other adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, cramps, fever, thrombophlebitis, kidney damage, and hemorrhage associated with hypocoagulability.
