dicobolt edetate

Last reviewed 01/2018

Dicobalt edetate is used as an antidote in cyanide poisoning since it forms an inert complex with cyanide.

It is the treatment of choice for proven cyanide poisoning but should not be used when the diagnosis is uncertain as in the absence of cyanide, there may be serious, although usually self-limiting, side-effects such as vomiting, tachypnoea, tachycardia, hypertension, chest pain and facial or palpebral oedema.