USAN-approved contraction for ethylenediaminetetraacetate, the anion of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; various edetates are used as chelating agents to carry cations in ( e.g., ferric sodium e. as an iron ion carrier) or out ( e.g., sodium e. for calcium or heavy metal ion removal).
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edetate see DISODIUM EDETATE
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n.
a salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), which is used as a chelating agent in the treatment of poisoning. Dicobalt edetate is an antidote to cyanide, administered by intravenous injection as soon as possible after poisoning. Sodium calcium edetate is used to treat poisoning by heavy metals, such as lead and strontium.
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ed·e·tate (edґə-tāt) USAN contraction for ethylenediaminetetraacetate.Medical dictionary. 2011.