Chitosan Uses, Benefits & Side Effects - Drugs.com Herbal Database

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# Chitosan

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 20, 2022.

## What are other common names?

- Chitin
- Chitosan Ascorbate
- Chitosane
- Deacetylated Chitosan
- Enzymatic Polychitosamine Hydrolisat
- HEP-30
- Mono-Carboxymethylated Chitosan
- N,O-Sulfated Chitosan
- N-Carboxybutyl Chitosan
- N-Carboxybutyl Chitosane
- O-Sulfated N-Acetylchitosan
- Poliglusam
- Sulfated N-Carboxymethylchitosan
- Trimethyl Chitosan Chloride

## What is this product used for?

Chitosan is used by some people with kidney problems to help lower cholesterol levels. Some people use chitosan to help prevent gum infections in the mouth. It may also be used on the skin to help stop bleeding.

## What are the precautions when taking this product?

- Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with other drugs or natural products.

- This product may interfere with some lab tests. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this and all drugs you are taking.

- Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this natural product.

- Take extra care if you are allergic to shellfish (lobster, crab, clams, or shrimp).

- Take extra care if you are taking drugs to thin your blood. These are drugs like warfarin, heparin, or enoxaparin.

- If you have blood sugar problems, keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.

- Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

  - Stomach problems

  - Diabetes or blood sugar problems

  - Blood clotting problems

## What should I watch for?

- Upset stomach

- Stomach cramps

- Heartburn

- Increased gas and bloating

## When do I need to call the doctor?

- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

- Very bad throwing up

- Very bad belly pain

- Very bad loose stools

- Very hard stools or inability to pass a stool

## Last Reviewed Date

2021-04-21

## Consumer information use

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## Copyright

Copyright © 2022 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.

## More about chitosan

- Reviews (1)

### Professional resources

- Advanced Reading

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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