What Is A Phosphate Binder Medication?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Phosphate binders are

used to decrease the absorption of phosphate from food in the digestive tract

. They are used when there is an abnormally high blood phosphate level (hyperphosphatemia) which can be caused by impaired renal phosphate excretion or increased extracellular fluid phosphate loads.

What are some examples of phosphate binders?

  • Calcium-containing phosphate binders. …
  • Aluminium-containing phosphate binders. …
  • Sevelamer hydrochloride. …
  • Lanthanum carbonate. …
  • Sucroferric oxyhydroxide. …
  • Other phosphate binders.

Why are phosphate binders prescribed?


To reduce the amount of phosphate you absorb from your food you

may have been prescribed a medicine called a phosphate binder. Phosphate binders work by binding (attaching) to some of the phosphate in food. This will reduce the amount of phosphate being absorbed into your blood stream.

Are phosphate binders safe?

There are few studies evaluating the safety of phosphate binders in animals. In humans, all phosphate binders can cause gastrointestinal side effects (e.g., constipation, GI upset). In addition, aluminum

-containing phosphate binders are no longer used in human medicine

because of occurrences of aluminum toxicity.

What are the side effects of phosphorus binders?

In common with all oral phosphate binders, lanthanum carbonate causes some GI side effects in around 20% of patients, but these seem to be relatively minor in most (

abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation

).

How do you treat high phosphate levels?


Calcium Carbonate tablets

– This is the most common medication prescribed for increased blood phosphate levels (hyperphosphatemia). These pills, taken 3 times a day with meals, will bind to the phosphate in your bloodstream, and lower your blood phosphate levels.

What are natural phosphate binders?

Currently, the commonly used phosphate binders are

calcium carbonate, calcium acetate, sevelamer hydrochloride, lanthanum carbonate, and magnesium hydroxide

. These binders are reasonably safe and moderately bind dietary phosphates.

What foods to avoid if phosphorus is high?

  • Dairy foods.
  • Beans.
  • Lentils.
  • Nuts.
  • Bran cereals.
  • Oatmeal.
  • Colas and other drinks with phosphate additives.
  • Some bottled ice tea.

Why do kidney patients need phosphate binders?

Phosphate binders are used

to reduce positive phosphate balance and to lower serum phosphate levels for people

with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with the aim to prevent progression of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD).

Is oatmeal high in phosphate?

Many whole grains contain phosphorus, including wheat, oats and rice. Whole wheat contains the most phosphorus (291 mg or 194 grams per cooked cup), followed by oats (180 mg or 234 grams per cooked cup) and rice (162 mg or 194 grams per cooked cup) (43, 44, 45).

What happens when you have too much phosphorus in your body?

High phosphorus levels can cause damage to your body. Extra phosphorus causes body changes that

pull calcium out of your bones

, making them weak. High phosphorus and calcium levels also lead to dangerous calcium deposits in blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and heart.

How quickly do phosphate binders work?

Phosphorus binders help to pass excess phosphorus out of the body in the stool, reducing the amount of phosphorus that gets into the blood. Usually phosphate binders are taken

within 5 to 10 minutes before or immediately after meals and snacks

.

What are the symptoms of high phosphorus?

Symptoms of too much phosphorus

These symptoms include

joint pain, muscle pain, and muscle weakness

. People with high phosphorus levels can also experience itching and red eyes. Symptoms of more severe cases of high phosphorus may include severe constipation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

How do you avoid high phosphorus?

  1. Reduce the amount of phosphorus you eat. …
  2. Take phosphorus binders. …
  3. Take vitamin D. …
  4. Take a calcimimetic medicine. …
  5. Stay on dialysis the entire time. …
  6. Start an exercise program approved by a doctor. …
  7. Get an operation to remove some of the parathyroid glands.

What does phosphate do in the body?

Phosphate is a charged particle (ion) that contains the mineral phosphorus. The body needs phosphorus to

build and repair bones and teeth

, help nerves function, and make muscles contract.

Is calcium carbonate a phosphate binder?

In summary, calcium carbonate is

an effective phosphate binder

and will help to control hyperphosphatemia in a majority (60 to 70 percent) of patients with chronic renal failure.

Leah Jackson
Author
Leah Jackson
Leah is a relationship coach with over 10 years of experience working with couples and individuals to improve their relationships. She holds a degree in psychology and has trained with leading relationship experts such as John Gottman and Esther Perel. Leah is passionate about helping people build strong, healthy relationships and providing practical advice to overcome common relationship challenges.