Lanthanum Carbonate (587-26-8)

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What is Lanthanum Carbonate?

The salt generated by lanthanum(III) cations and carbonate anions is lanthanum carbonate, La2(CO3)3. It occurs as white powder with negligible solubility in water. Lanthanum carbonate decreases the amount of phosphate in your blood caused by kidney disease and is thus used in medicine, available in the form of chewable tablets, to treat hyperphosphatemia. It is sold under the brand name Fosrenol.

Macsen is the manufacturer and supplier of both Lanthanum Carbonate, anhydrous form (CAS No. 587-26-8) and Lanthanum carbonate hydrate form (CAS No. 54451-24-0).

Mechanism of action

Lanthanum carbonate is a phosphate binder that acts by decreasing the amount of phosphate that is absorbed by the body. It does this by binding with dietary phosphate and generating insoluble complexes of lanthanum and phosphate which can not be absorbed by the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Thus, there is a decrease in the serum phosphate levels.

Uses

• It is used as a medication for controlling hyperphosphatemia (abnormally high serum phosphate levels) in patients with chronic renal failure who are on renal dialysis.
• Bayer Animal Health sells it under the brand name Renalzin for cats suffering from hyperphosphatemia.
• It plays an important role as a starting material in the chemistry, particularly in the production of mixed oxides.
• It is also used for the tinting of glass, for water treatment, and as a catalyst for hydrocarbon cracking.

Side effects

Common side effects associated with the use of Lanthanum Carbonate are-

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal Pain

Serious side effects that may occur, include-

• Constipation
• Myalgia (Muscular cramping)
• Bloody, black, or tarry stools
• Peripheral edema
• Tooth injury
• Allergic reaction like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue