What condition does Lanthanum Carbonate treat?
Lanthanum Carbonate is used in people who are on dialysis because of severe kidney disease to lower high blood phosphate levels. Dialysis removes some phosphate from your blood. It is difficult to remove enough to keep your phosphate levels balanced. Decreasing blood phosphate levels may help keep your bones strong. It may also decrease the risk of heart disease and strokes. Those may result in a high level of phosphate.
Lanthanum Carbonate is a natural mineral that binds to phosphate in the foods you eat. This comes as a tablet for oral use. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this medication.
How does Lanthanum Carbonate work?
Lanthanum Carbonate lessens the absorption of phosphate which is a phosphate binder. It is by developing insoluble lanthanum phosphate complexes that pass over the gastrointestinal (GI) tract unabsorbed. Both serum phosphate and calcium phosphate product are decreased. It is the consequence of reduced dietary phosphate absorption.
What is the recommended dosage for Lanthanum Carbonate?
This is to be taken by mouth as directed by your doctor. It is usually taken with or right after meals. The chewable tablet should be chewed completely before you swallow it. Tell your doctor if you have trouble chewing the tablet.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response. Use it regularly to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time every day. Do not take it more often or longer than the prescription. If you missed a dose, take it right away if you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed one. If you often missed a dose, call your doctor for instructions.
Lanthanum may stop some medicines from working well if you take them at the same time. Ask your pharmacist if you need to separate the time that you take your other medicines from the time that you take this.
What are the side effects of Lanthanum Carbonate?
Common side effects:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
Call for medical help if there are signs of an allergic reaction:
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
- Swelling of your face, lips, throat, or tongue
If these side effects continue or get worse, let your doctor know right away.
What are the precautions in taking Lanthanum Carbonate?
- Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you have any medical history or current medications.
- Tell also your doctor if you have any allergies. This tablet may have an inactive ingredient that causes an allergic reaction.
- This medication is not recommended for children because it may affect the bones.
- To help lower your blood phosphate levels, your doctor might inform you to follow a special diet. Follow the diet closely.
- You should not share this tablet or any of your medications with others.
- Before having an X-ray of your stomach or abdomen, tell the X-ray personnel that you are taking this medicine.
- Do not use this past the expiration date.
- Keep this at a dry and clean place away from heat and moisture.
