Compensation of dietary induced reduction of tetracycline absorption by simultaneous administration of EDTA.

The absorption of tetracycline in man under the influence of concomitantly administered EDTA, milk and a combination of EDTA and milk has been investigated. Urinary excretion of the drug was measured for 30 h. The inhibitory effect of milk could be counteracted by simultaneous ingestion of EDTA, which resulted in almost equivalent urinary excretion of tetracycline compared to experiments done in the fasting state. Administration of EDTA alone, in a neutral dosage form, did not significantly change absorption of the drug, which contradicted previous findings. The possible use of EDTA during tetracycline therapy is discussed.