ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid


ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)

A chelating agent used in ophthalmic preparations to remove metals which are essential for the metabolism of bacteria and viruses, and therefore inactivate them. It enhances the bactericidal effect of preservatives and is commonly combined with benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine and thiomersalate. See antiseptic.