What is Lanthanum Carbonate: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Lanthanum Carbonate overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Fosrenol

Generic Names:

  • Lanthanum Carbonate

Uses:

  • Lowers phosphate levels in people who have end-stage kidney disease.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Phosphate Binder

Forms:

  • Powder, Chewable Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Lanthanum Carbonate used for?

What form(s) does Lanthanum Carbonate come in

  • Powder

  • Chewable Tablet

What are common Lanthanum Carbonate doses?

  • Bottle 45 Tablets Chewable

  • Bottle 15 Tablets Chewable

  • Bottle 10 Tablets Chewable

Common Lanthanum Carbonate prescriptions

  • Lanthanum Carbonate
    10 tablets chewable bottle

  • Lanthanum Carbonate
    15 tablets chewable bottle

  • Lanthanum Carbonate
    45 tablets chewable bottle

  • Lanthanum Carbonate
    1000mg tablet chewable

  • Lanthanum Carbonate
    500mg tablet chewable

  • Lanthanum Carbonate
    750mg tablet chewable

How to take Lanthanum Carbonate

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Take this medicine with a meal or immediately after a meal.

  • Tablet: Chew or crush the tablet completely before you swallow it. Do not swallow whole tablets.

  • Powder: If you cannot chew the tablets, use the oral powder form of this medicine. Sprinkle the oral powder on a small amount of applesauce or similar food. Mix and then swallow the mixture immediately. Do not store this mixture. Do not mix this medicine with water or other liquid.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take this medicine with a meal or immediately after a meal.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Powder: If you cannot chew the tablets, use the oral powder form of this medicine. Sprinkle the oral powder on a small amount of applesauce or similar food. Mix and then swallow the mixture immediately. Do not store this mixture. Do not mix this medicine with water or other liquid.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Tablet: Chew or crush the tablet completely before you swallow it. Do not swallow whole tablets.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

What to do if you miss a dose of Lanthanum Carbonate

Lanthanum Carbonate contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to lanthanum, or if you have bowel blockage (including ileus or blockage in your rectum).

Lanthanum Carbonate warnings

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, or a history of serious problems with your digestive system (including stomach or bowel cancer, ulcers, or surgery).

  • This medicine may cause bowel problems (including stomach and bowel blockage or perforation, ileus, or blockage in your rectum), which may require surgery or hospitalization.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Lanthanum Carbonate interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how lanthanum works. You may still be able to take these medicines, but you must take them at a different time than you take lanthanum.

  • Take these medicines 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take lanthanum:LevothyroxineAntacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesiumBlood pressure medicine (ACE inhibitor, including enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril)Medicine to treat infection (including ampicillin, quinolones, tetracycline)Medicine to treat malariaStatin medicine to lower cholesterol

  • Take antibiotics (including ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin) 1 hour before or 4 hours after you take lanthanum.

  • Tell your doctor if you are also using a calcium channel blocker blood pressure medicine.

Lanthanum Carbonate side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing