Calcium Carbonate as a Phosphate Binder in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure Undergoing Dialysis

Abstract

Phosphate binders that contain aluminum are frequently prescribed to treat hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic renal failure, but an accumulation of aluminum can lead to osteomalacia. To evaluate the efficacy of calcium carbonate as an alternative phosphate binder, we studied 20 patients maintained on dialysis during three consecutive periods. In period 1, the patients took aluminum hydroxide for a month (mean dose, 5.6 g per day; range, 1.5 to 14.0). In period 2, they took no phosphate binders for a month, and in period 3, they took calcium carbonate (Os-Cal) for two months (mean dose, 8.5 g per day; range, 2.5 to 17).