lanthanum (La) /lan″thənəm/ [Gk, lanthanein, to escape notice] , 1. a rare earth metallic element. Its atomic number is 57; its atomic mass is 138.91. 2. a phosphate binder, lanthanum carbonate. ▪ INDICATIONS: This drug is used to treat end-stage renal disease. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Hypophosphatemia or known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use.
