Chitosan and Calcium Carbonate
Poly-D-glucosamine / Calcium carbonate
Also known as: Ipakitine · Epakitin · Poliglusam
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chronic kidney disease | 200 mg/kg | PO | q12h | — | 🌍 EU |
- Chronic kidney disease: Mixed with food
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chronic kidney disease | 200 mg/kg | PO | q12h | — | 🌍 EU |
- Chronic kidney disease: Mixed with food
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
A combination oral powder containing 8% chitosan, 10% calcium carbonate, and 82% lactose. It is primarily used as an adsorbent for intestinal uraemic toxins, including dietary phosphate, in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Clinical Pearl: Phosphate-binding agents are typically introduced when dietary management (low phosphate renal diets) alone is insufficient to control hyperphosphataemia. To be effective, they must be administered with meals to bind the phosphorus present in the food.
Mechanism of action
Acts locally within the gastrointestinal tract.
- Calcium carbonate binds to dietary phosphate in the gut → forms insoluble calcium phosphate → excreted in feces, thereby preventing systemic absorption of phosphorus.
- Chitosan acts as an adsorbent for various uraemic toxins in the intestines, reducing their absorption and subsequent systemic accumulation.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Pre-existing hypercalcaemia
Adverse effects
- Hypercalcaemia (due to calcium carbonate absorption)
Precautions
Hypercalcaemia Risk: Monitor serum calcium levels, as the calcium carbonate component can be absorbed systemically. Lactose Content: The formulation contains 82% lactose. Use with caution in diabetic animals and those with known lactose intolerance.
Drug interactions
Increased risk of hypercalcaemia when administered concurrently
Monitoring
- Serum phosphate (at 4-6 week intervals to adjust dosage and achieve target concentrations)
- Serum total and ionized calcium (to monitor for hypercalcaemia)
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Chitosan is not absorbed systemically. A small portion of the calcium from calcium carbonate may be absorbed systemically, depending on vitamin D status and intestinal pH.
Distribution
Remains primarily in the gastrointestinal tract.
Metabolism
Not metabolized systemically.
Elimination
Excreted primarily in the feces as insoluble complexes (e.g., calcium phosphate).
Overdose
Overdosage primarily increases the risk of hypercalcaemia due to excessive calcium carbonate intake.
Signs of hypercalcaemia may include polyuria, polydipsia, vomiting, lethargy, and weakness. Treatment involves discontinuing the supplement, feeding a low-calcium diet, and providing supportive fluid therapy (e.g., 0.9% NaCl) to promote calciuresis if clinically indicated.
Available products
Formulations
- Oral powder (8% chitosan, 10% calcium carbonate, 82% lactose)
Veterinary
- Ipakitine oral powder (general sale)
Regulatory status
Available as a general sale nutritional supplement
Available as a general sale nutritional supplement
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the container tightly closed to protect from moisture.
Client information
This medication helps protect your pet's kidneys by preventing the absorption of phosphorus and toxins from their food.
- Must be given with food: Mix the powder thoroughly into your pet's meals. It only works if it is in the stomach at the same time as the food.
- Watch for side effects: Contact your veterinarian if your pet develops increased thirst, increased urination, vomiting, or extreme tiredness, as these could be signs of high blood calcium.
- Dietary note: Because this product contains lactose, inform your vet if your pet has diabetes or a sensitive stomach (lactose intolerance).
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.