Renafos Mechanism of Action

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Treatment of hyperphosphataemia. ATC code: V03AE02.
Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Mechanism of action: Sevelamer carbonate contains sevelamer, a non-absorbed phosphate binding crosslinked polymer, free of metal and calcium. Sevelamer contains multiple amines separated by one carbon from the polymer backbone which become protonated in the stomach. These protonated amines bind negatively charged ions such as dietary phosphate in the intestine.
By binding phosphate in the gastrointestinal tract and decreasing absorption, sevelamer lowers the phosphorus concentration in the serum. Regular monitoring of serum phosphorus levels is always necessary during phosphate binder administration.
Sevelamer binds bile acids and may interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K.
Sevelamer does not contain calcium and decreases the incidence of hypercalcaemic episodes as compared to patients using calcium based phosphate binders alone.
Pharmacokinetics: Sevelamer hydrochloride, which contains the same active moiety as sevelamer carbonate, is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.