CITRAPHOS TABLET

Introduction:

Citraphos Tablet consists of the active ingredient Ferric Citrate. It is a phosphate binder prescribed to manage hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney patients undergoing dialysis and iron deficiency anaemia in those not on dialysis.

Chronic kidney disease refers to the irreversible deterioration of kidney function, which progresses over the years. Patients having chronic kidney disease (CKD) are often at a high risk of bleeding and phosphate accumulation in the blood. Anaemia occurs in CKD due to impairment in platelet function.

Hyperphosphatemia can be treated by using phosphate-binding drugs and following dietary restriction of foods with high phosphate content (milk, cheese, eggs and protein-rich foods).

Uses of Citraphos Tablet:

• Management of iron deficiency anaemia 
• Treatment of hyperphosphatemia

How Citraphos Tablet works:

Citraphos Tablet binds to dietary phosphate in the stomach and forms ferric phosphate, which is excreted in the stool. Thus, it lowers the concentration of phosphate in the blood and helps manage hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on dialysis.

In CKD patients not on dialysis, ferric iron reduces to its ferrous form by ferric reductase enzyme produced by the gastrointestinal tract. This form of iron binds to the plasma protein transferrin, takes part in circulation, and is finally incorporated into haemoglobin. Thus, it helps in the management of iron deficiency anaemia.

Interaction with other drugs:

Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking or have taken before the treatment.

More Information:

Store the tablets protected from light and moisture at a temperature not exceeding 30˚C. Keep all the medicines out of the reach of children.

References:

1. Akebia Therapeutics, Inc., US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on Mar 2021] [Accessed on 12th Jul 2021], https://fda.report/DailyMed/AADD18E0-3752-11E4-8510-0800200C9A66.pdf
2. Steadfast Medishield, [Revised on 2018] [Accessed on 12th Jul 2021], https://www.steadfast.co.in/phoscut-fer/
3. J. Goddard, A.N. Turner, Kidney and Urinary Tract Disease, Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 461-523.

How to use Citraphos Tablet:

Consume the tablet with meals. Swallow the tablets and do not chew or crush them.

Safety Advice:

Pregnancy:

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy. Inform your physician before starting this treatment if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. 

Breastfeeding: 

Consult your physician for advice before breastfeeding during this treatment

Liver:

Inform your physician before starting this treatment if you have liver diseases. Your physician will monitor your liver functions and prescribe accordingly.

Kidney:

Inform your physician before starting this treatment if you have kidney diseases. Your physician will monitor your kidney functions and prescribe accordingly.

Allergies: 

Inform your physician if you experience allergic reactions to Ferric Citrate or its ingredients.

Others:

• Your physician will monitor your iron parameters (serum ferritin, TSAT) prior to initiating this therapy.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Common:

• Dark stools
• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• Constipation
• High potassium levels in the blood
• Abdominal pain
• Cough