Chitosan

Chitosan is used for high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), periodontitis (topical use), hemodialysis (chronic), weight loss, and Crohn's disease.

Chitosan is available under the following different brand and other names: chitin, chitosan ascorbate, deacetylated chitin biopolymer, N-O-sulfated chitosan, N-carboxybutyl chitosan, O-sulfated N-acetylchitosan, sulfated N-carboxymethylchitosan, sulfated O-carboxymethylchitosan.

• Dosage varies

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Renal Failure with Chronic Hemodialysis

• 1.35 g orally three times daily

Topical

• Dosage varies

There is no information available on side effects of chitosan.

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

Moderate interactions of chitosan include:

• antithrombin alfa
• antithrombin III
• argatroban
• bemiparin
• bivalirudin
• dabigatran
• dalteparin
• enoxaparin
• fondaparinux
• heparin
• lepirudin
• phenindione
• protamine
• tinzaparin
• warfarin

Mild interactions of chitosan include:

• vitamin A
• vitamin E

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

This medication contains chitosan. Do not take chitin, chitosan ascorbate, deacetylated chitin biopolymer, N-O-sulfated chitosan, N-carboxybutyl chitosan, O-sulfated N-acetylchitosan, sulfated N-carboxymethylchitosan, or sulfated O-carboxymethylchitosan if you are allergic to chitosan or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• None reported.

Effects of Drug Abuse

No information available.

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Chitosan?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Chitosan?"

Cautions

Shellfish allergy.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Avoid use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.