EDTA 0.25%, 0.3%, 0.5% or 1%
Nasal Spray, Solution for Atomization or Nasal Irrigation

The chelating agent edetate disodium (EDTA) disrupts biofilm which are harboring bacteria and fungi in the nasal passages. Disrupting the biofilm is an important step in several protocols for treating CIRS related to infections caused by mold exposure.  Xylitol can be added to EDTA to provide more effective cleansing of the nasal passages. Argentyn 23®, a hydrosol silver supplement, can also be used in conjunction. These ingredients work together to treat chronic rhinosinusitis related to mold exposure.

Disrupting the Biofilm

Biofilms consist of groups of bacteria and/or fungi attached to surfaces and encased in a protective slime polymer matrix. Pathogens in biofilms are more resistant to antibiotics and antifungals than their free-living counterparts. Thus, biofilm-related infections are persistent and symptoms can return even after antibiotic treatment. In addition, biofilms can spur the immune system to mount an inflammatory response that leads to worsening of the rhinosinusitis symptoms. That is why the biofilm must be cleared first before using antibiotics or antifungals.

EDTA and Mold Toxicity Protocols

At Park Compounding Pharmacy we make a full range of treatments for mold-related illness including EDTA nasal spray, BEG nasal spray, and pure cholestyramine resin. EDTA nasal spray is included in most protocols for treating CIRS. Dr. Neil Nathan recommends it in his book Toxic and it is also a part of protocols developed by Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker and Dr. Joseph Brewer.

EDTA Administration Methods

Nasal Spray Treatment

A nasal spray pump is used to deliver liquid medication to the sinus area. Each pump delivers a metered dose of medicated solution.

Nasal Irrigation

A nasal saline rinse bottle is used to administer the medication. A saline solution is mixed with the medication in a nasal rinse bottle and used to irrigate the nasal passages and sinuses.

Atomized Sinus Treatment

This method uses the Rhino Clear Sprint atomizer to deliver the liquid EDTA medication to the sinus area. The compact electronic atomizer releases the medication into a mist that gets inhaled into the sinus and nasal cavity regions. You may obtain a RhinoClear Sprint atomizer with your new prescription from our pharmacy or purchase one separately.

EDTA + Xylitol

Xylitol is a naturally occurring organic sugar alcohol compound found in plants. It exhibits antibacterial and antibiofilm properties and can help clear the nasal passages. The xylitol and EDTA combination may be used to clear the nasal passages and relieve symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis. Studies have shown intranasal xylitol to be more effective than a saline rinse for clearing the nasal passages and relieving sinus symptoms. In addition, the ingredients in this combination have been shown to be safe with relatively few side effects. Most patients will only experience symptoms related to their nasal passages being cleared, which can commonly include nasal discharge.

Argentyn 23® Hydrosol Silver

The use of hydrosol silver along with an EDTA nasal spray has become more popular with doctors recently. One of the main benefits of using hydrosol silver is that, unlike an antibiotic, bacteria can not develop resistance to it. This may give silver advantages over antibiotic treatment in some situations. Doctors sometimes recommend Argentyn 23®, which is a 23ppm hydrosol silver dietary supplement, be used concurrently with EDTA.

Research

“Colloidal silver: a novel treatment for Staphylococcus aureus biofilms?” – International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology

“Sinonasal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: updates on treatment.” – Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery

“Silver in health care: antimicrobial effects and safety in use.” – Current Problems in Dermatology

Xylitol nasal irrigation in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis – American Journal of Otolaryngology

Xylitol Versus Saline in Chronic Sinusitis – ClinicalTrials.gov