What is it?

Chitosan comes from chitin which is found in the bones of crab, crayfish, and squid. It is used to lose weight, lower cholesterol (fat) in the blood, treat anemia (low iron in the blood), and improve your strength, the immune system, appetite, and sleep. Chitosan is also used to treat tooth and gum infections and to help tissue healing after plastic surgery.

Other names for Chitosan include: Chitin, Chitosan Ascorbate, N-Carboxybutyl Chitosan, O-Sulfated N Acetylchitosan, N, O-Sulfated Chitosan, Sulfated O-Carboxymethylchitosan, and Sulfated N-Carboxymethylchitosan.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need more information about this medicine or if any information in this leaflet concerns you.

Before Using:

Tell your doctor if you

• are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement)
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine
• are breastfeeding
• have blood clotting problems
• have any other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease

Dosage:

Talk with your caregiver about how much Chitosan you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking Chitosan. If you are using this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, follow the directions on the medicine bottle. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than the directions tell you to.

To store this medicine:

Keep all medicine locked up and away from children. Store medicine away from heat and direct light. Do not store your medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down and not work the way it should work. Throw away medicine that is out of date or that you do not need. Never share your medicine with others.

Warnings:

• Before taking Chitosan, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Tell your doctor if you have blood clotting problems (2,3,4)

Side Effects:

Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.

• Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest
• Chest pain
• Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin

Other Side Effects:

You may have the following side effects, but this medicine may also cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that you think are caused by this medicine.

• Headache (1)
• Swollen heels and wrists (1)

References:

1. Hirano S, Tanaka Y, Hasegawa M et al: Effect of sulfated derivatives of chitosan on some blood coagulant factors. Carbohydrate Res 1985 Mar 29; 137:205-215.

2. Jing SB, Li L, Ji D et al: Effect of chitosan on renal function in patients with chronic renal failure. J Pharm Pharmacol 1997; 49(7):721-723.

3. Lewis SJ & Freedman AR: Review article: The use of biotherapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1998; 12:807-822.

4. Muzzarelli RA, Tanfani F & Emanuelli M: Sulfated N-(carboxymethyl)chitosans: novel blood anticoagulants. Carbohydrate Res 1984; 126(2):225-231.

6. Shibasaki K-I, Sano H, Matsukubo T et al: Effects of low molecular weight chitosan on pH changes in human dental plaque. Bull Tokyo Dent Coll 1994; 35(1):33-39.

7. Shibasaki K-I, Sano H, Matsukubo T et al: pH response of human dental plaque to chewing gum supplemented with low molecular weight chitosan. Bull Tokyo Dent Coll 1994a; 35(2): 61-66.

8. Whistler R & Kosik M: Anticoagulant activity of oxidized and N- and O-sulfated chitosan. Arch Biochem Biophys 1971; 142(1):106-110.

9. Wuolijoki E, Hirvela T & Ylitalo P: Decrease in serum LDL cholesterol with microcrystalline chitosan. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol 1999; 21(5):357-361.