Skip to content
ClinCalc Pro
Menu
Calculators Drugs Pathways AI Dx Donate Get the App
Phosphate Binder (Lanthanum-Based)

Lanthanum Carbonate 750mg–3g/day (Fosrenol)

Brand names: Fosrenol

Lanthanum carbonate (Fosrenol) is a non-calcium, non-aluminium phosphate-binding agent taken with meals to lower serum phosphate in patients with chronic kidney disease, especially those on dialysis.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

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

It releases lanthanum ions in the upper gastrointestinal tract that bind dietary phosphate to form insoluble lanthanum phosphate, which is then excreted and not absorbed.

Prescribing in practice

  • The chewable tablets must be chewed completely and taken with or just after food; swallowing them whole reduces efficacy and has been linked to gastrointestinal injury and obstruction.
  • Use with caution in conditions predisposing to gut obstruction, ileus or impaction, as serious gastrointestinal events have been reported.
  • Administer other oral drugs that may be chelated at a separate time from the binder.

Monitoring

Check serum phosphate regularly, alongside calcium, to titrate to target and prevent excessive lowering.

Counselling the patient

  • Chew each tablet thoroughly and take it with food to make it work and protect your gut.
  • Tell your team about severe constipation, abdominal pain or any vomiting.
  • Space other medicines away from your phosphate binder as instructed.

Evidence & guidelines

Guidance on chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder supports lanthanum carbonate as an effective non-calcium phosphate binder.

Reference: KDIGO CKD-MBD Guidelines 2017; Fosrenol SPC; NICE TA117; Confirm identity and dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC) and NICE. 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.

Calculators
Pathways