Herb & supplement monograph

Chelation Therapy Products Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Chelation Therapy Products interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Chelation Therapy Products is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Chelation Therapy Products is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Chelation Therapy Products Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Chelation Therapy Products drug interaction is moderate to high, and people taking prescription medications should treat these combinations with real caution. None of the listed interactions are rated minor: the great majority are moderate, and a meaningful number are rated major.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interaction with insulin stands out most, since it is rated major and supported by human evidence. EDTA, used in chelation therapy, can lower blood sugar sharply and may also bind the zinc in insulin products, changing how fast and how long they work. EDTA may also lower potassium levels, which matters for people taking potassium-depleting diuretics, and it has been reported to weaken the effect of warfarin in at least one patient, which could affect clotting control.

What the rest of the list means

A long interaction list does not mean every combination will cause harm. Outside the insulin concern, much of the evidence is limited or theoretical, based on how chelation products might bind minerals or alter drug effects rather than on proven problems in people. Still, because nothing on this list is rated minor, these combinations deserve more respect than those of a typical supplement.

Check your medications against Chelation Therapy Products

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Chelation Therapy Products interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Chelation Therapy Products

90 medications have a known interaction with Chelation Therapy Products, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

13 major interactions. These combinations can be clinically significant — best avoided, or used only with close professional supervision. Always check with your pharmacist before combining them with Chelation Therapy Products.

2,830 drugs
Inhaled InsulinExubera› InsulinNovoRapid Insulin› Insulin (bovine)Hypurin Bovine Neutral› Insulin (human)Afrezza, Novolin 70/30, Novolin L, Novolin N, Novolin R› Insulin (pork)Hypurin Porcine Neutral, Lente Iletin II, NPH Iletin, NPH Iletin II, Pork Actrapid, Regular Iletin +1 more› Insulin (rdna)Actrapid, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humulin 50/50, Humulin 70/30, Humulin L +8 more› Insulin GlargineBasaglar, Lusduna, Semglee› Insulin Glargine (rdna)Lantus› Insulin Glargine RecombinantToujeo Solostar› Insulin Glargine, LixisenatideSoliqua 100/33› Insulin Human, Sodium ChlorideMyxredlin› Insulin Lispro RecombinantHumalog Kwikpen› Insulin DetermirLevemir› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual› Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength PMS, Pamprin, Pamprin ES› AcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox› Amiloride, HydrochlorothiazideAmil-Co, Amilzide, Moduret 25, Moduretic› Ammonium ChlorideAmmonium Chloride› Atenolol, ChlortalidoneAtenixCo, Tenoret 50, Totaretic› Atenolol, ChlorthalidoneTenoretic› Azilsartan, ChlorthalidoneEdarbyclor› Benazepril, HydrochlorothiazideLotensin HCT› BendroflumethiazideAprinox, Naturetin, Neo-NaClex› Bendroflumethiazide, NadololCorzide› Bendroflumethiazide, PotassiumCentyl K, Neo-NaClex-K› Bendroflumethiazide, Rauwolfia SerpentinaRauzide› BenzthiazideExna› Bisoprolol, HydrochlorothiazideZiac› BumetanideBurinex› Bumetanide, PotassiumBurinex K›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Chelation Therapy Products combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Chelation Therapy Products affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Chelation Therapy Products is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 3 drug categories Chelation Therapy Products interacts with
InsulinDiuretic DrugsWarfarin (coumadin)
Insulin

Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) can decrease the activity of insulin and increase the risk for hypoglycemia.
Concomitant use of disodium EDTA with insulin can cause severe decreases in blood glucose concentrations. Additionally, EDTA chelates zinc in insulin products and might interfere with the onset and duration of activity of various insulin preparations.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Diuretic Drugs

Concomitant use of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and potassium-depleting diuretics might increase the risk for hypokalemia.
EDTA can decrease serum potassium levels and increase excretion of potassium.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, disodium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) can decrease the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
Disodium EDTA has been reported to decrease international normalized ratio (INR) in a patient taking warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Chelation Therapy Products: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Chelation therapy uses binding agents (like EDTA, DMSA, or DMPS) that latch onto certain metals so the body can remove them. It is an FDA-approved, doctor-supervised treatment only for proven heavy metal poisoning; over-the-counter 'chelation' supplements and unsupervised IV chelation for heart disease or detox are not proven safe or effective and can be dangerous. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before considering any chelation product.

Part used
Not applicable (synthetic and oral binding agents)
Common forms
Intravenous (IV) infusions, oral capsules, suppositories, and sprays
People commonly use it for
  • Heavy metal poisoning (lead, mercury, arsenic, iron)
  • Marketed for heart and artery health
  • Promoted for 'detoxification'
  • Promoted for circulation problems
  • Sometimes promoted for autism (not supported)

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Real chelation is a medical treatment that needs supervision; OTC 'chelation' products are unproven and risky.

PregnancyPossibly Unsafe

When unregulated chelation therapy products are used orally or parentally or when prescription chelation therapy products are used for unproven indica...

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingPossibly Unsafe

When unregulated chelation therapy products are used orally or parentally or when prescription chelation therapy products are used for unproven indica...

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Chelation therapy is not an herb. It is a medical treatment that uses special binding agents called chelators. These agents grab onto certain metals in the blood and tissues, forming a compound the body can then flush out through urine.

Common chelating drugs include EDTA (edetate), DMSA (succimer), DMPS, and deferoxamine. These are man-made chemicals, not plant products. The term "chelation therapy products" is also used for a range of over-the-counter pills, drops, and IV solutions sold online and in some clinics that claim to "detox" the body or clean out the arteries.

It is important to separate two very different things: (1) FDA-approved, prescription chelation given by doctors to treat documented heavy metal poisoning, and (2) unapproved chelation products and infusions marketed for heart disease, aging, or general detox. The first has a clear medical role; the second is not proven and can cause harm.

How it works

Chelating agents have a chemical structure that can wrap around metal ions, almost like a claw (the word "chelate" comes from the Greek for claw). Once the agent binds a metal, it forms a stable compound that dissolves in water and can leave the body in the urine.

In poisoning cases, this lowers the amount of toxic metal in the blood and tissues, which can reduce damage to organs like the brain, kidneys, and nerves.

The problem is that chelators are not perfectly selective. They can also bind and remove helpful minerals your body needs, such as calcium, zinc, copper, and iron. This is part of why chelation can be harmful when there is no real metal poisoning to treat.

Effectiveness

Does Chelation Therapy Products work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 17 uses evaluated
17 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Chelation Therapy Products, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 17 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Alzheimer disease
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral or intravenous chelation therapy products for Alzheimer disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chelation therapy products for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Angina
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral or intravenous chelation therapy products are beneficial for angina.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Arsenic poisoning
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using topical chelation therapy products for arsenic poisoning, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of topical chelation therapy products for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Atherosclerosis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral chelation therapy products for atherosclerosis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chelation therapy products for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Atopic disease
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral chelation therapy products for atopic disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chelation therapy products for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral chelation therapy products for ADHD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chelation therapy products for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Autism spectrum disorder
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral or topical chelation therapy products are beneficial for autism spectrum disorder.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cancer
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral chelation therapy products for cancer, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chelation therapy products for this use.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral or intravenous chelation therapy products are beneficial for CVD.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hypertension
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral chelation therapy products for hypertension, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chelation therapy products for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Influenza
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral chelation therapy products for influenza, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chelation therapy products for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Lead toxicity
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using topical chelation therapy products for lead toxicity, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of topical chelation therapy products for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Mercury toxicity
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in topical chelation therapy products for mercury toxicity, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of topical chelation therapy products for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Osteoporosis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral chelation therapy products for osteoporosis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chelation therapy products for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Parkinson disease
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral chelation therapy products for Parkinson disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chelation therapy products for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral or intravenous chelation therapy products are beneficial for PAD.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Uterine fibroids
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral chelation therapy products for uterine fibroids, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chelation therapy products for this purpose.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Prescription chelation given by trained doctors for poisoning is generally safe when blood levels and kidney function are monitored. The danger comes from unsupervised use and from OTC "chelation" products of uncertain quality and content.

People who should be especially careful, or avoid chelation entirely unless a doctor directs it, include those with kidney disease, heart rhythm problems, low blood calcium, or low blood pressure. Removing too much calcium too quickly can cause dangerous drops in calcium levels and heart problems.

Pregnancy: Avoid chelation unless it is medically necessary for poisoning and supervised by a doctor. Removing essential minerals could harm the pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: Safety is not established, so avoid unless directed by a doctor.

Never start a chelation product on your own. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor first, and only undergo chelation through a licensed medical provider when there is a confirmed medical reason.

Side effects

Common side effects can include a burning feeling or pain at the IV site, headache, nausea, fever, low blood pressure, and fatigue.

More serious and sometimes life-threatening problems have been reported, especially with improper dosing or unsupervised use:

  • Dangerously low calcium, which can cause irregular heartbeats and death
  • Kidney damage or kidney failure
  • Loss of needed minerals such as zinc and copper, leading to deficiency
  • Allergic reactions

Deaths have occurred, including in children given chelation for unproven uses. If you experience chest pain, fainting, severe weakness, muscle cramps, or an irregular heartbeat during or after chelation, seek emergency care.

Chelation Therapy Products: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Chelation Therapy Products from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

The use of chelation therapy products for unproven indications, or in unapproved doses or routes of administration, is generally considered to be unsafe.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Orally: Gastrointestinal upset, nausea.

Intravenous: Abdominal cramps, anorexia, burning and pain at infusion site, diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting.

Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):

Orally: Allergic reactions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Intravenous: Allergic reactions, arrhythmias, convulsions, death, heart failure, hypercalcemia, hypocalcemia, insulin shock, kidney failure, paresthesia, respiratory arrest, tetany, thrombophlebitis.

Reports by condition
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) Immunologic

Intravenously, disodium ethylenediamene tetraacetic acid (EDTA) can rarely cause histamine-like reactions. There are rare reports of allergic reactions to EDTA given as a nasal provocation, topically, intradermally, and subcutaneously. In one case report, a 57-year-old male presented with pruritus on the hands and feet, as well as urticaria and swelling of the face, following subcutaneous injection with a local anesthetic containing EDTA. Allergy to other ingredients in the anesthetic was ruled out, and intradermal and subcutaneous testing with calcium disodium EDTA confirmed the allergic response. The patient also reacted to radio-contrast medium containing EDTA.

Topically, application of EDTA in cosmetics, shampoos, and other products has rarely been reported to cause contact dermatitis.

Orally, dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) has been associated with allergic reactions.

  1. Grier MT, Meyers DG. So much writing, so little science: a review of 37 years literature on edetate sodium chelation therapy. Ann Pharmacother 1993;27:1504-9.
  2. Russo PA, Banovic T, Wiese MD, et al. Systemic allergy to EDTA in local anesthetic and radiocontrast media. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2014;2:225-9.
  3. Wax PM. Current use of chelation in American health care. J Med Toxicol 2013;9(4):303-7.
Anemia Hematologic

Intravenously, ethylenediamene tetraacetic acid (EDTA) can sometimes cause anemia, prolonged prothrombin time and transient bone marrow suppression.

  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Grier MT, Meyers DG. So much writing, so little science: a review of 37 years literature on edetate sodium chelation therapy. Ann Pharmacother 1993;27:1504-9.
  3. Ellsworth AJ, Witt DM, Dugdale DC, et al. Medical Drug Reference. Saint Louis, MO: Mosby-Year Book Inc 1998:302-3.
Angina Renal

Intravenously, ethylenediamene tetraacetic acid (EDTA) can sometimes cause urinary urgency and frequency. However, the most serious adverse effect of EDTA is kidney toxicity for doses greater than 3 grams daily. In a clinical trial in patients with angina, intravenous disodium EDTA has resulted in an elevation of serum creatinine. EDTA can cause nocturia, hyperuricemia, polyuria, dysuria, oliguria, proteinuria, glycosuria, hematuria. and distal tubule and glomeruli changes. EDTA can also cause acute renal tubular necrosis, renal insufficiency, and renal failure.

  1. Ellsworth AJ, Witt DM, Dugdale DC, et al. Medical Drug Reference. Saint Louis, MO: Mosby-Year Book Inc 1998:302-3.
  2. Brown MJ, Willis T, Omalu B, Leiker R. Deaths resulting from hypocalcemia after administration of edetate disodium: 2003-2005. Pediatrics 2006;118(2):e534-6.
  3. James S, Stevenson SW, Silove N, Williams K. Chelation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015;5(5):CD010766.
  4. Lamas GA, Hussein SJ. EDTA chelation therapy meets evidence-based medicine. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2006;12(3):213-5.
  5. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  6. Knudtson ML, Wyse DG, Galbraith PD, et al. Chelation therapy for ischemic heart disease: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2002;287(4):481-6.
Anorexia Gastrointestinal

Intravenously, ethylenediamene tetraacetic acid (EDTA) can commonly cause abdominal cramps, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. EDTA can also sometimes cause thirst.

When given orally or intravenously, 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate (DMPS) has caused nausea and dysgeusia.

Orally, dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) has caused gastrointestinal upset and diminished appetite.

  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. James S, Stevenson SW, Silove N, Williams K. Chelation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015;5(5):CD010766.
Arrhythmia Cardiovascular

Intravenously, chelation therapy products such as 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate (DMPS) or ethylenediamene tetraacetic acid (EDTA) have been associated with hypotension and irregular heartbeat. Intravenously, EDTA can also cause thrombophlebitis. Disodium EDTA, when given as a rapid infusion or highly concentrated solution, can cause hypocalcemia, severe cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory arrest, and death.

There are at least three case reports of intravenous chelation therapy-related hypocalcemia resulting in cardiac arrest. Two cases involved the use of disodium EDTA in children and one involved the unapproved use of an unknown type of EDTA over a 10- to 15-minute infusion in an adult. At least in part because of these cases, disodium EDTA is no longer FDA-approved. In a large clinical trial in patients with a previous myocardial infarction, the rate of hypocalcemia was 6.2% in patients given disodium EDTA, compared with 3.5% of those given placebo; however, disodium EDTA did not increase the risk of heart failure or death.

  1. Grier MT, Meyers DG. So much writing, so little science: a review of 37 years literature on edetate sodium chelation therapy. Ann Pharmacother 1993;27:1504-9.
  2. Lacy CF, Armstrong LL, Ingrim NB, et al. Drug Information Handbook. 6th ed. Hudson, OH:Lexi-Comp Inc 1998:439-41.
  3. Ellsworth AJ, Witt DM, Dugdale DC, et al. Medical Drug Reference. Saint Louis, MO: Mosby-Year Book Inc 1998:302-3.
  4. Wax PM. Current use of chelation in American health care. J Med Toxicol 2013;9(4):303-7.
  5. American College of Medical Toxicology and The American Academy of Clinical Toxicology. https://www.choosingwisely.org/clinician-lists/american-college-academy-medical-toxicology-chelation/. Accessed May 18, 2022.
  6. James S, Stevenson SW, Silove N, Williams K. Chelation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015;5(5):CD010766.
  7. Villarruz MV, Dans A, Tan F. Chelation therapy for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2002;(4):CD002785.
  8. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  9. Lamas GA, Hussein SJ. EDTA chelation therapy meets evidence-based medicine. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2006;12(3):213-5.
  10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Deaths associated with hypocalcemia from chelation therapy--Texas, Pennsylvania, and Oregon, 2003-2005. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2006;55(8):204-7.
  11. Brown MJ, Willis T, Omalu B, Leiker R. Deaths resulting from hypocalcemia after administration of edetate disodium: 2003-2005. Pediatrics 2006;118(2):e534-6.
  12. Baxter AJ, Krenzelok EP. Pediatric fatality secondary to EDTA chelation. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2008;46(10):1083-4.
  13. Atwood KC, Woeckner E. In pediatric fatality, edetate disodium was no accident. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2009;47(3):256.
  14. Lamas GA, Goertz C, Boineau R, et al. Effect of disodium EDTA chelation regimen on cardiovascular events in patients with previous myocardial infarction: the TACT randomized trial. JAMA 2013;309:1241-50.
Arrhythmia Endocrine

Intravenously, calcium disodium ethylenediamene tetraacetic acid (EDTA) can cause zinc deficiency and hypercalcemia. Disodium EDTA can occasionally reduce magnesium and potassium serum concentrations, and rarely cause insulin shock.

Disodium EDTA, when given as a rapid infusion or highly concentrated solution, can cause hypocalcemia, leading to tetany, convulsions, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac failure, respiratory arrest, and death. This has occasionally occurred when the disodium form of EDTA was used in error, instead of the calcium disodium form.

  1. Lacy CF, Armstrong LL, Ingrim NB, et al. Drug Information Handbook. 6th ed. Hudson, OH:Lexi-Comp Inc 1998:439-41.
  2. Ellsworth AJ, Witt DM, Dugdale DC, et al. Medical Drug Reference. Saint Louis, MO: Mosby-Year Book Inc 1998:302-3.
  3. Grier MT, Meyers DG. So much writing, so little science: a review of 37 years literature on edetate sodium chelation therapy. Ann Pharmacother 1993;27:1504-9.
  4. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  5. Fountain JS, Reith DM. Dangers of "EDTA". N Z Med J 2014;127:126-7.
  6. Lamas GA, Goertz C, Boineau R, et al. Effect of disodium EDTA chelation regimen on cardiovascular events in patients with previous myocardial infarction: the TACT randomized trial. JAMA 2013;309:1241-50.
  7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Deaths associated with hypocalcemia from chelation therapy--Texas, Pennsylvania, and Oregon, 2003-2005. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2006;55(8):204-7.
  8. Brown MJ, Willis T, Omalu B, Leiker R. Deaths resulting from hypocalcemia after administration of edetate disodium: 2003-2005. Pediatrics 2006;118(2):e534-6.
  9. Baxter AJ, Krenzelok EP. Pediatric fatality secondary to EDTA chelation. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2008;46(10):1083-4.
  10. Atwood KC, Woeckner E. In pediatric fatality, edetate disodium was no accident. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2009;47(3):256.
  11. James S, Stevenson SW, Silove N, Williams K. Chelation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015;5(5):CD010766.
  12. Wax PM. Current use of chelation in American health care. J Med Toxicol 2013;9(4):303-7.
Cluster headache Neurologic/CNS

Intravenously, ethylenediamene tetraacetic acid (EDTA) can commonly cause headache and faintness. EDTA can also sometimes cause fever, chills, fatigue, and malaise. Disodium EDTA can occasionally cause tremors, tingling, and paresthesias.

Orally, dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) was associated with lethargy in one child in a clinical trial. Other possible adverse effects associated with DMSA included sleep problems.

  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Villarruz MV, Dans A, Tan F. Chelation therapy for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2002;(4):CD002785.
  3. James S, Stevenson SW, Silove N, Williams K. Chelation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015;5(5):CD010766.
Dermatitis Dermatologic

There is a case report of Stevens-Johnson syndrome after two weeks of oral 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate (DMPS) chelation therapy in a child with chronic mercury exposure. Symptoms included a widespread eruption of red, itchy macules which gradually improved after discontinuation of DMPS therapy. Rash has also been reported in patients given intravenous DMPS or oral dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA).

Intravenously, ethylenediamene tetraacetic acid (EDTA) can commonly cause exfoliative dermatitis and a burning sensation and pain at the site of infusion.

  1. Van der Linde AAA, Pillen S, Gerrits GPJM, Bouwes Bavinck JN. Stevens-Johnson syndrome in a child with chronic mercury exposure and 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate (DMPS) therapy. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2008;46(5):479-81.
  2. James S, Stevenson SW, Silove N, Williams K. Chelation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015;5(5):CD010766.
  3. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  4. Villarruz MV, Dans A, Tan F. Chelation therapy for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2002;(4):CD002785.
  5. Christensen K, Theilade D. Edta chelation therapy: an ethical problem. Med Hypotheses 1999;53:69-70.
Hypocalcemia Musculoskeletal

Intravenously, disodium ethylenediamene tetraacetic acid (EDTA) can occasionally cause muscle cramps, back pains, muscle weakness, and myalgias. In a large clinical trial in patients with a previous myocardial infarction, the rate of hypocalcemia was 6.2% in patients given disodium EDTA, compared with 3.5% of those given placebo; however, only one patient had associated muscle cramping leading to a hospital visit.

  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Lamas GA, Goertz C, Boineau R, et al. Effect of disodium EDTA chelation regimen on cardiovascular events in patients with previous myocardial infarction: the TACT randomized trial. JAMA 2013;309:1241-50.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no safe "do-it-yourself" chelation dose. When chelation is medically needed for poisoning, the agent, dose, and schedule are chosen by a doctor based on the specific metal, blood levels, body weight, and kidney function, with close monitoring.

Over-the-counter "chelation" supplements are not standardized, and their actual contents and strength are uncertain. We do not recommend self-dosing these products.

If a product label gives directions, do not assume they are safe or effective. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before using any chelation product, and use medical chelation only under professional supervision.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Chelation Therapy Products & Pregnancy

Possibly Unsafe

When unregulated chelation therapy products are used orally or parentally or when prescription chelation therapy products are used for unproven indications and/or in unapproved doses or routes of administration. The American College of Medical Toxicology and The American Academy of Clinical Toxicology recommend against the unapproved use of chelation therapy products. Chelation therapy products can have teratogenic effects and result in severe side effects including dehydration, hypocalcemia, kidney failure, neurodevelopmental toxicity, and death.

  1. American College of Medical Toxicology and The American Academy of Clinical Toxicology. https://www.choosingwisely.org/clinician-lists/american-college-academy-medical-toxicology-chelation/. Accessed May 18, 2022.
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Deaths associated with hypocalcemia from chelation therapy--Texas, Pennsylvania, and Oregon, 2003-2005. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2006;55(8):204-7.
  3. Brown MJ, Willis T, Omalu B, Leiker R. Deaths resulting from hypocalcemia after administration of edetate disodium: 2003-2005. Pediatrics 2006;118(2):e534-6.
  4. Baxter AJ, Krenzelok EP. Pediatric fatality secondary to EDTA chelation. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2008;46(10):1083-4.
  5. Wax PM. Current use of chelation in American health care. J Med Toxicol 2013;9(4):303-7.
  6. Food and Drug Administration. Questions and answers on unapproved chelation products. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/medication-health-fraud/questions-and-answers-unapproved-chelation-products. Accessed May 18, 2022.

Chelation Therapy Products & Breastfeeding

Possibly Unsafe

When unregulated chelation therapy products are used orally or parentally or when prescription chelation therapy products are used for unproven indications and/or in unapproved doses or routes of administration. The American College of Medical Toxicology and The American Academy of Clinical Toxicology recommend against the unapproved use of chelation therapy products. Chelation therapy products can have teratogenic effects and result in severe side effects including dehydration, hypocalcemia, kidney failure, neurodevelopmental toxicity, and death.

  1. American College of Medical Toxicology and The American Academy of Clinical Toxicology. https://www.choosingwisely.org/clinician-lists/american-college-academy-medical-toxicology-chelation/. Accessed May 18, 2022.
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Deaths associated with hypocalcemia from chelation therapy--Texas, Pennsylvania, and Oregon, 2003-2005. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2006;55(8):204-7.
  3. Brown MJ, Willis T, Omalu B, Leiker R. Deaths resulting from hypocalcemia after administration of edetate disodium: 2003-2005. Pediatrics 2006;118(2):e534-6.
  4. Baxter AJ, Krenzelok EP. Pediatric fatality secondary to EDTA chelation. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2008;46(10):1083-4.
  5. Wax PM. Current use of chelation in American health care. J Med Toxicol 2013;9(4):303-7.
  6. Food and Drug Administration. Questions and answers on unapproved chelation products. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/medication-health-fraud/questions-and-answers-unapproved-chelation-products. Accessed May 18, 2022.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 21 references that drive our Chelation Therapy Products monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Grebe HB, Gregory PJ. Inhibition of warfarin anticoagulation associated with chelation therapy. Pharmacotherapy 2002;22:1067-9.. PubMed
  3. Grier MT, Meyers DG. So much writing, so little science: a review of 37 years literature on edetate sodium chelation therapy. Ann Pharmacother 1993;27:1504-9.
  4. Christensen K, Theilade D. Edta chelation therapy: an ethical problem. Med Hypotheses 1999;53:69-70. PubMed
  5. Lacy CF, Armstrong LL, Ingrim NB, et al. Drug Information Handbook. 6th ed. Hudson, OH:Lexi-Comp Inc 1998:439-41.
  6. Ellsworth AJ, Witt DM, Dugdale DC, et al. Medical Drug Reference. Saint Louis, MO: Mosby-Year Book Inc 1998:302-3.
  7. Fountain JS, Reith DM. Dangers of "EDTA". N Z Med J 2014;127:126-7.
  8. Lamas GA, Goertz C, Boineau R, et al. Effect of disodium EDTA chelation regimen on cardiovascular events in patients with previous myocardial infarction: the TACT randomized trial. JAMA 2013;309:1241-50. PubMed
  9. Russo PA, Banovic T, Wiese MD, et al. Systemic allergy to EDTA in local anesthetic and radiocontrast media. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2014;2:225-9. PubMed
  10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Deaths associated with hypocalcemia from chelation therapy--Texas, Pennsylvania, and Oregon, 2003-2005. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2006;55(8):204-7.
  11. Brown MJ, Willis T, Omalu B, Leiker R. Deaths resulting from hypocalcemia after administration of edetate disodium: 2003-2005. Pediatrics 2006;118(2):e534-6. PubMed
  12. Baxter AJ, Krenzelok EP. Pediatric fatality secondary to EDTA chelation. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2008;46(10):1083-4. PubMed
  13. Atwood KC, Woeckner E. In pediatric fatality, edetate disodium was no accident. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2009;47(3):256. PubMed
  14. James S, Stevenson SW, Silove N, Williams K. Chelation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015;5(5):CD010766. PubMed
  15. Lamas GA, Hussein SJ. EDTA chelation therapy meets evidence-based medicine. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2006;12(3):213-5. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Chelation Therapy Products: Common Questions

What is Chelation Therapy Products used for, and does it work?
People use Chelation Therapy Products for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Chelation Therapy Products interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 90 medications with a known interaction with Chelation Therapy Products, including 13 rated major. Use the checker above to see how Chelation Therapy Products interacts with a specific drug.
How are Chelation Therapy Products interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Chelation Therapy Products with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Chelation Therapy Products interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is chelation therapy actually used for?
Its proven, FDA-approved use is treating confirmed heavy metal poisoning, such as lead, mercury, arsenic, or iron overload, under medical supervision. Other marketed uses, like clearing arteries or general detox, are not well supported by evidence.
Are over-the-counter chelation supplements safe?
They are not proven safe or effective, and their actual ingredients and strength are often uncertain. Because chelation can remove minerals your body needs and stress the kidneys, you should not use these products without talking to a doctor or pharmacist.
Can chelation therapy treat heart disease?
Despite heavy marketing, chelation is not a recommended treatment for heart disease. A large study found at most a small, uncertain benefit, and it should never replace proven heart treatments.
Is chelation safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
It is best to avoid chelation while pregnant or breastfeeding unless a doctor prescribes it for a real poisoning, because it may remove minerals the body needs and its safety in these situations is not established.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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