lanthanum carbonate

lanthanum carbonate

Fosrenol

Pharmacologic class: Phosphate binder

Therapeutic class: Renal and genitourinary agent

Pregnancy risk category C

Action

Dissociates in acidic environment of upper GI tract to release lanthanum ions, which bind dietary phosphate released from food during digestion and inhibit phosphate absorption by forming highly insoluble lanthanum phosphate complexes

Availability

Tablets (chewable): 250 mg, 500 mg

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ To reduce serum phosphate level in patients with end-stage renal disease

Adults: Initially, 750 to 1,500 mg P.O. (chewed) daily in divided doses with meals; titrate every 2 to 3 weeks until serum phosphate falls to acceptable level.

Contraindications

None

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• acute peptic ulcer, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, bowel obstruction
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients
• children (safety and efficacy not established).

Administration

• Give before meals; ensure that patient chews tablets completely before swallowing.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O.	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown

Adverse reactions

CNS: headache

CV: hypotension

GI: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain

Metabolic: hypercalcemia

Respiratory: bronchitis, rhinitis

Other: dialysis graft complication or occlusion

Interactions

Drug-diagnostic tests. Serum calcium: increased

Patient monitoring

• Monitor serum calcium and phosphorus levels periodically.

Patient teaching

• Instruct patient to take drug with or immediately after meals and to chew tablets completely before swallowing.
• Advise patient to discuss any planned dietary changes with prescriber.
• Inform female patient with childbearing potential that drug isn't recommended during pregnancy.
• Instruct female patient to tell prescriber if she's breastfeeding.
• As appropriate, review all other significant adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the tests mentioned above.