Which medication is a phosphate binder commonly used in CKD?

Which medication is a phosphate binder commonly used in CKD?

• A. Glipizide.
• B. Calcium acetate.
• C. Potassium chloride.
• D. Epoetin alfa.

Answer: (B)

Phosphate binders are used in CKD to reduce the gut’s absorption of phosphate, helping prevent high phosphate levels that contribute to bone-mineral disorders. Calcium acetate fits this role well because it binds dietary phosphate in the intestine to form insoluble calcium phosphate, which is then excreted in the stool. This lowers serum phosphate when taken with meals. It also provides calcium, so there’s a need to monitor for hypercalcemia and potential vascular calcification. The other medications listed do not act as phosphate binders: a sulfonylurea used for type 2 diabetes, a potassium supplement, and an erythropoietin-stimulating agent for anemia in CKD.

Phosphate binders are used in CKD to reduce the gut’s absorption of phosphate, helping prevent high phosphate levels that contribute to bone-mineral disorders. Calcium acetate fits this role well because it binds dietary phosphate in the intestine to form insoluble calcium phosphate, which is then excreted in the stool. This lowers serum phosphate when taken with meals. It also provides calcium, so there’s a need to monitor for hypercalcemia and potential vascular calcification.

The other medications listed do not act as phosphate binders: a sulfonylurea used for type 2 diabetes, a potassium supplement, and an erythropoietin-stimulating agent for anemia in CKD.