Lanthanum carbonate
Brand names: Fosrenol
Lanthanum carbonate is a non-aluminium, non-calcium phosphate binder used to control hyperphosphataemia in patients with chronic kidney disease, particularly those on dialysis.
ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
Clinical monograph
How it works
Lanthanum ions bind dietary phosphate in the gut to form insoluble lanthanum phosphate, reducing phosphate absorption and lowering serum phosphate.
Prescribing in practice
- Tablets must be chewed thoroughly and taken with or immediately after food to bind dietary phosphate effectively and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal complications.
- Gastrointestinal effects are common, and cases of bowel obstruction and gastrointestinal injury have been reported, especially in those at risk.
- It is not recommended in acute peptic ulcer, bowel obstruction or ileus.
Monitoring
Monitor serum phosphate regularly and titrate the dose to maintain it within the target range.
Counselling the patient
- Chew the tablets fully and take them with or just after meals.
- Report persistent abdominal pain, vomiting or constipation.
- Do not take it on an empty stomach, as this reduces its effect.
Evidence & guidelines
NICE guidance includes non-calcium-based phosphate binders such as lanthanum for managing hyperphosphataemia in chronic kidney disease.
Reference: NICE NG203; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.