Details

Sevelamer is a phosphate binder. Sevelamer helps prevent hypocalcaemia (low levels of calcium in the body) caused by elevated phosphorus. Sevelamer is used to control phosphorus levels in people with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis. You should not take sevelamer if you are allergic to it, or if you have a bowel obstruction. To make sure sevelamer is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing severe constipation a blockage in your intestines slow digestion a stomach or intestinal disorder or if you have recently had stomach or intestinal surgery.

Typical Uses

Sevelamer is used to lower high blood phosphorus (phosphate) levels in patients who are on dialysis due to severe kidney disease. Dialysis removes some phosphate from your blood, but it is difficult to remove enough to keep your phosphate levels balanced. Decreasing blood phosphate levels can help keep your bones strong, prevent unsafe build-up of minerals in your body, and possibly decrease the risk of heart disease and strokes that can result from high phosphate levels. Sevelamer works by holding onto phosphate from the diet so that it can pass out of your body.

Side Effects

Common sevelamer side effects may include choking, or trouble swallowing black, bloody, or tarry stools severe constipation with stomach pain or constipation that gets worse or does not clear up.

Drug Interactions

• Sevelamer+cinoxacin- Using sevelamer together with cinoxacin can decrease the effects of cinoxacin. Contact your doctor if your condition worsens. You may need a dose adjustment or special test to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs.
• Sevelamer+levofloxacin- Using sevelamer together with levofloxacin can decrease the effects of levofloxacin. Contact your doctor if your condition worsens. You may need a dose adjustment or special test to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs.
• Sevelamer+ofloxacin- Using sevelamer together with ofloxacin can decrease the effects of ofloxacin. Contact your doctor if your condition worsens. You may need a dose adjustment or special test to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs.

Mechanism of action

Sevelamer acts by binding the phosphate molecule from food in the digestive tract and decreases its absorption and consequently lowers the phosphate levels in the blood.

Pregnancy Category : C