Sevelamer
Brand names: Renagel, Renvela
Sevelamer is a non-absorbed phosphate-binding agent used to control hyperphosphataemia in patients with chronic kidney disease, particularly those on dialysis.
ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
Clinical monograph
How it works
Its polymeric structure binds dietary phosphate in the gut, preventing absorption and lowering serum phosphate without adding a calcium load.
Prescribing in practice
- Take with meals so the binder is present with dietary phosphate; doses taken away from food are ineffective.
- Use cautiously in gastrointestinal disorders and bowel obstruction, and be alert to constipation and other gastrointestinal effects.
- Separate administration of certain other medicines, as sevelamer may reduce their absorption; the carbonate form also helps buffer metabolic acidosis.
Monitoring
Monitor serum phosphate, calcium and bicarbonate periodically to guide dose adjustment.
Counselling the patient
- Always take this medicine with your meals.
- Tell your clinician if you become constipated or have persistent stomach upset.
Evidence & guidelines
Sevelamer is an established phosphate binder in renal practice, supported by guidelines on chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder.
Reference: KDIGO CKD-MBD Guidelines 2017; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.