Chitosan (chitin, chitosan ascorbate, deacetylated chitin biopolymer, N,O-sulfated chitosan, N-carboxybutyl chitosan, O-sulfated N-acetylchitosan, sulfated N-carboxymethylchitosan, sulfated O-carboxymethylchitosan): Dosing and Uses

Suggested dosing of Chitin, chitosan ascorbate (chitosan)

Renal Failure with Chronic Hemodialysis

1.35 g PO TId

Topical

Dosage varies

Suggested uses of Chitin, chitosan ascorbate (chitosan)

Hypercholesterolemia, periodontitis (topical use), hemodialysis (chronic), weight loss, Crohn's disease

Chitin, chitosan ascorbate (chitosan) adverse (side) effects

None reported

Warnings

Contraindications

None reported

Cautions

Shellfish allergy

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: avoid use

Lactation: avoid use

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Pharmacology of Chitin, chitosan ascorbate (chitosan)

Metabolism: N/A

Excretion: N/A

Mechanism of action

Crustacean shell derivative; prevents enterohepatic recirculation of cholesteroL

Topical: protects periodontal pockets from oxygen, allowing tissue proliferation