Mechanism of action: Lanthanum carbonate ballicule
What it isNon-absorbed phosphate binder; hyperphosphatemia in dialysis.
Why this oneChewable, calcium-free and effective at a lower tablet burden than sevelamer.
What limits itTablets must be chewed thoroughly or they do not work. GI upset; long-term tissue deposition is of uncertain significance.
Molecular structure: Lanthanum carbonate
FDA label
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| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
| Hyperphosphatemia (ESRD) | Adults | 1,500 mg/day in divided doses with meals | 1,500-3,000 mg/day | 4,500 mg/day |
Titration Titrate every 2 to 3 weeks based on serum phosphate
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Binds other orally administered drugs — separate their administration
Instructions
- Take with or immediately after meals
- Chew or crush tablet completely before swallowing; do not swallow whole
- Consider oral powder in patients with poor dentition or difficulty chewing
- Separate administration of other oral medications (binds them)
Available strengths
- chew tab 500, 750, 1000 mg
- powder 750, 1000 mg
Contraindications
- Bowel obstruction, including ileus and fecal impaction
Cautions
- Serious GI obstruction, ileus, subileus, perforation, and fecal impaction (chew completely)
- Radio-opaque — may appear as an imaging agent on abdominal X-ray
Adverse reactions
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- (Postmarketing) constipation, dyspepsia, tooth injury while chewing
Pregnancy Insufficient data; use a non-lanthanum phosphate binder in pregnancy
Lactation No data; use a non-lanthanum phosphate binder while lactating
Cost
Lanthanum carbonate (FOSRENOL)
What pharmacies pay · NADAC 9/30/26
| Strength | | #/mo | generic $/unit | CostPlus |
|---|
| 500 mg | chew tab | per unit | $3.18/ea | offered |
| 750 mg | chew tab | per unit | | offered |
| 1000 mg | chew tab | per unit | $3.15/ea | offered |
| 750 mg | powder | per unit | | not offered |
| 1000 mg | powder | per unit | | not offered |
Generic entry2017
Principal riskTablets must be chewed thoroughly or they do not work
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Therapeutic safety burden1 / 4
Overdose danger0 / 4
Weight-gain liability0 / 4
Sedation liability0 / 4
QT / Torsades0 / 4
Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4
Embryofetal risk0 / 4
Legacy pregnancy categoryUnknown / historical label unavailable
Defining liabilityLocal irritation, sensitization or administration-site injury; negligible systemic toxicity at usual use.
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