Pharmaceutical Applications
In patients on dialysis, Sevelamer or lanthanum salts can be used to maintain normal phosphate blood levels. Sevelamer is a polymer containing amine
groups. These protonated amine groups can react with the negatively charged phosphate groups via ionic binding
and prevent absorption of phosphate from the gut. Sevelamer is a hydrogel containing cross-linked polyallylamine chains. The negatively charged phosphate can be bound to the positively charged amine groups of the hydrogel in the intestines and removed via the faeces.
Potentially hazardous interactions with other drugs
Antibacterials: reduces bioavailability of
ciprofloxacin.
Ciclosporin: possibly reduces ciclosporin
concentration.
Calcitriol: absorption may be impaired by sevelamer.
Mycophenolate: may reduce mycophenolate levels.
Tacrolimus: possibly reduces tacrolimus
concentration.
Thyroid hormones: possibly reduces levothyroxine
concentration.
