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Carrageenan
kar-a-GEE-nan   Audio

Brand Name: Carraguard  Audio
Drug Class: Microbicides
Carrageenan is a chemical found in certain types of seaweed. Scientists have discovered that carrageenan can protect laboratory cells from becoming infected with many viruses, including HIV.

Carrageenan is being studied as an experimental HIV microbicide called Carraguard, or PC-515. Microbicides are substances that protect the body from infection by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Microbicides work by either destroying the microbes or preventing them from establishing an infection.

HIV/AIDS-Related Uses
Carrageenan is an investigational medicine that is not yet approved by the FDA for use outside of clinical trials. It is being studied for the prevention of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases. This medicine does not cure HIV infection or AIDS and is being studied to reduce the risk of passing the virus to other people.
A completed Phase III study found that carrageenan alone was safe to use vaginally but was not effective at preventing HIV infection when compared with a placebo gel. Carrageenan is also being studied in combination with other investigational microbicides to increase the effectiveness of HIV prevention.

Dosage Form/Administration
Carrageenan comes as a vaginal gel.

Contraindications
Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects
Along with its desired effects, carrageenan may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these effects are known, mild vaginal itching, burning, and pain have been reported.

Drug and Food Interactions
A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications.

Clinical Trials
Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Carrageenan.

Manufacturer Information
Carrageenan
  FMC Biopolymer
  1735 Market Street
  Philadelphia,  PA  10021
    

Carrageenan
  Population Council
  Center for Biomedical Research
  Weiss Research Building
  1230 York Avenue
  New York,  NY  10021
    

Carraguard
  Population Council
  Center for Biomedical Research
  Weiss Research Building
  1230 York Avenue
  New York,  NY  10021
    
Updated February 21, 2008