What are the names of the two EDTA drugs?
There are two drugs approved by the FDA that have similar names are easily confused. To add to the confusion, both drugs are commonly referred to only as the abbreviation, “EDTA.” One drug is named “Calcium Disodium Versenate” and is also known by the chemical name of edetate calcium disodium. This drug is approved by the FDA to lower blood lead levels among patients with lead poisoning. The other drug is marketed as “Endrate” and is also known by the chemical name of edetate disodium. This drug is approved by the FDA for use in selected patients with high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia) as well as for use among patients with heart rhythm problems due to intoxication with the drug, digitalis. 3. What is the problem with the EDTA drugs? The two EDTA drugs have established names that are easily confused and both are referred to in clinical practice as “EDTA.” This confusion has resulted in medication errors in which some patients have received the wrong drug, which has been fatal in
