Lanthanum Carbonate Chewable Tablet
Lanthanum Carbonate is available as an FDA-approved commercial product and as a compounded formulation, prepared by Mixlab for veterinary use in cats and dogs. Available by prescription.
The uses and pharmacology described below reflect the FDA-approved labeling for this active ingredient; your veterinarian determines whether and how they apply to your animal's treatment plan.
In humans, lanthanum carbonate is FDA-approved to reduce serum phosphate in patients with end-stage renal disease. In veterinary compounding practice, clinicians may consider lanthanum carbonate for cats and dogs with elevated blood phosphorus, most often in the context of chronic kidney disease, drawing on this same established pharmacology.
At a pharmacological level, lanthanum carbonate dissociates in the acidic environment of the stomach to release lanthanum ions, which bind dietary phosphate released during digestion. This forms highly insoluble lanthanum phosphate complexes that are excreted in the feces rather than absorbed. Systemic absorption of lanthanum itself is minimal — in humans, bioavailability is well under 1%, with the vast majority of the dose eliminated unabsorbed.
Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing, or monitoring. Compounded drugs are not approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.
Commonly observed effects of lanthanum carbonate include vomiting or other mild digestive upset, particularly when a new formulation or dose is introduced. Because this medication works by binding phosphate in the gut, it is typically given with or immediately after meals, and your veterinarian will provide specific instructions on chewing, crushing, or otherwise administering the compounded formulation your pet receives.
This medication is typically used with caution in animals with a history of gastrointestinal ulcers, bowel obstruction, or colitis. Lanthanum carbonate can interact with a number of other oral medications — including certain antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines, and ACE inhibitors — often by binding to them in the gut, so your veterinarian may recommend spacing doses by a couple of hours from other medications. Provide your veterinarian with a complete list of everything else your pet is taking. Contact your veterinarian if you observe signs of an allergic reaction (such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing), persistent vomiting, or a lack of appetite.
Yes. Lanthanum carbonate is a prescription medication and can only be dispensed by a licensed pharmacy upon receipt of a valid authorization from a licensed veterinarian. Mixlab verifies all prescriptions before any medication is prepared or shipped.
Yes. Lanthanum carbonate is available as a human oral tablet, and Mixlab can compound the active ingredient into formats better suited to cats and dogs — such as flavored chewable tablets, capsules, or powder — to make regular dosing easier. Your veterinarian will determine the most appropriate strength and format for your pet's needs.
Veterinarians may discuss a range of factors when selecting among available phosphate-binder options for an individual patient, including lanthanum carbonate's phosphate-binding mechanism in the gut and its minimal systemic absorption. The right choice for your pet depends on their specific health status, and your veterinarian is best positioned to weigh the options.
This medication is typically given with or immediately after meals, since it works by binding phosphate from food in the digestive tract. Follow your veterinarian's specific instructions for your pet's compounded formulation, including whether tablets should be chewed, crushed, or given whole.
Possibly. Lanthanum carbonate can bind to certain other oral medications in the gut and reduce their absorption, including some antibiotics and blood pressure medications. Always give your veterinarian a complete list of everything your pet is taking so they can advise on appropriate timing between doses.
