Tetrasodium EDTA
Also known as: Tetrasodium EDTA, EDTA tetrasodium salt, C10H12N2Na4O8, Tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate
Overview
Tetrasodium EDTA is a synthetic chelating agent derived from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), specifically modified to its tetrasodium salt form to enhance solubility and alkalinity. Unlike naturally occurring compounds, it is entirely synthetic. Its primary application is as a chelating agent, binding to divalent and trivalent metal ions. In medical and pharmaceutical contexts, it is widely utilized as an antimicrobial lock solution, particularly to prevent and eradicate biofilms in medical devices like catheters. It also functions as a preservative and stabilizer in various formulations, including cosmetics. Key characteristics include its strong ability to chelate metal ions, notable antimicrobial activity, especially against biofilms, and its water-soluble nature, forming an alkaline solution. Research on Tetrasodium EDTA is moderately mature, with several in vitro and clinical studies, predominantly focusing on its antimicrobial effects in catheter lock solutions. However, comprehensive systematic reviews specifically examining its role as a systemic supplement ingredient are limited.
Benefits
Tetrasodium EDTA primarily offers significant antimicrobial activity. A 4% solution has been shown to effectively eradicate biofilms formed by Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi, achieving up to a 4-log (99.99%) reduction in colony-forming units (CFU) within 24 hours in vitro. This strong efficacy is particularly beneficial in preventing catheter-related infections by inhibiting microbial colonization in central venous access devices (CVADs), although direct clinical outcome data are still somewhat limited. The benefits are most relevant for hospitalized patients with indwelling catheters or medical devices prone to biofilm formation. In vitro studies consistently demonstrate statistically significant microbial killing with substantial log reductions in CFU, indicating a potent effect. While clinical significance is inferred from these findings, more randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to fully establish its impact on patient outcomes. Microbial killing is observed within 24 hours of exposure, with biofilm eradication potentially requiring several hours.
How it works
Tetrasodium EDTA functions primarily by chelating divalent and trivalent metal ions, such as calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), and iron (Fe³⁺). These metal ions are crucial for the stability of microbial cell walls and the integrity of the biofilm matrix. By binding to these essential metal ions, Tetrasodium EDTA disrupts the structural components of biofilms and interferes with microbial enzyme functions, leading to the eradication of the biofilm. When used as a catheter lock solution, its action is predominantly local within the lumen of the medical device, with minimal systemic absorption. Its known molecular targets are the metal ions critical for microbial survival and biofilm formation.
Side effects
When used in medical device lock solutions at recommended concentrations, Tetrasodium EDTA is generally considered safe, with low systemic toxicity due to minimal absorption. Common side effects are rare but may include local irritation if leakage occurs around the application site. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) could involve the potential for hypocalcemia if significant systemic exposure occurs, as it can chelate calcium ions in the bloodstream. Rare side effects (<1%) might include allergic reactions or more generalized metal ion imbalances. Tetrasodium EDTA may interact with drugs or supplements containing divalent cations by chelating them and affecting their bioavailability. It is not recommended for systemic use without strict medical supervision. Caution is advised in patients with pre-existing electrolyte imbalances. Special consideration and caution are necessary when used in neonates or individuals with renal impairment due to potential alterations in clearance and increased risk of systemic exposure.
Dosage
For antimicrobial activity in catheter lock applications, a 4% tetrasodium EDTA solution is considered the minimum effective dose and is commonly used in clinical studies. The optimal dosage range for this specific application is consistently 4%. There is no well-established maximum safe dose for systemic use, as it is primarily intended for topical or localized applications. For effective biofilm eradication, exposure of several hours, typically up to 24 hours, is required. Tetrasodium EDTA is typically administered as an aqueous solution for catheter lock or topical antimicrobial use. Systemic absorption is expected to be minimal with these methods of administration. No specific cofactors are identified as being required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is tetrasodium EDTA safe for systemic supplementation?
There is insufficient evidence to support systemic supplementation of tetrasodium EDTA. Its primary applications are topical or in medical device solutions, where systemic absorption is minimal.
How quickly does tetrasodium EDTA work against biofilms?
Significant microbial killing in biofilms is observed within 24 hours of exposure to tetrasodium EDTA. Some initial effects can be seen as early as 1-3 hours after application.
Can tetrasodium EDTA replace antibiotics?
Tetrasodium EDTA shows promise as a non-antibiotic antimicrobial for device-related infections by eradicating biofilms. However, it does not replace systemic antibiotics for treating systemic infections.
Does tetrasodium EDTA affect metal ion balance in the body?
If absorbed systemically, tetrasodium EDTA could potentially affect the body's metal ion balance. However, in its typical uses (topical/lock solutions), systemic absorption is minimal, limiting this risk.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6262258/ – This in vitro study by Liu et al. (2018) tested 4% tetrasodium EDTA against 210 bacterial and fungal isolates from catheter-related infections. It demonstrated significant antimicrobial efficacy, achieving a ≥4-log reduction in CFU in biofilms for 13 out of 20 isolates within 24 hours, highlighting its potential for biofilm eradication. The study's limitation is its in vitro nature, lacking direct clinical outcome data.
- https://www.cda-amc.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/htis/2019/RB1313%20T-EDTA%20for%20CVADs%20Final.pdf – A Health Technology Assessment by CADTH (2019) reviewed the literature on tetrasodium EDTA for locking central venous access devices. It found limited high-quality randomized controlled trials but suggested potential clinical benefits in reducing catheter-related infections with minimal adverse effects. The assessment emphasized the need for more RCTs to confirm clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.
- https://www.myrxtoolkit.com/web/public/brands/medicalpolicyhb/external-policies/chelation-therapy-for-off-label-uses – This source, while not a direct research paper, references a systematic review/meta-analysis by Ravalli et al. (2022) on EDTA in chelation therapy. It highlights EDTA's general chelation properties and safety profile in controlled settings, but notes that it did not specifically address tetrasodium EDTA in antimicrobial or supplement contexts, calling for more targeted research.
- https://journals.asm.org/doi/abs/10.1128/msphere.00525-18 – This is another link to the Liu et al. (2018) study, which is a key in vitro research piece demonstrating the efficacy of 4% tetrasodium EDTA against microbial biofilms. It provides detailed methodology and results supporting the compound's ability to significantly reduce bacterial and fungal loads in biofilm models, reinforcing its potential as an antimicrobial agent for medical devices.
Supplements Containing Tetrasodium EDTA
Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
equate™ beauty
NATURAL DIM CREAM MAXX
BIOTHE PRO®
FOAMING FACIAL CLEANSER
equate beauty™
Hawaiian Silky 14-in-1 Miracle Worker
Hawaiian Silky
HYDRATE HYDRATER coconut water eau de noix de coco SHAMPOO SHAMPOOING
Herbal Essences