Effectiveness of intestinal phosphate binders in patients maintained by hemodialysis.

Two formulations of aluminum phosphate binders-aluminum hydroxide suspension and aluminum carbonate powder in the form of capsules-were found to be equally effective in lowering the plasma phosphate concentration. The effective dose was 4 g/day given in divided doses before meals and at bedtime. Side effects were negligible with this dosage for both preparations, but aluminum carbonate capsules were preferred by most patients because of the greater convenience of the capsule form. Coincident with the lowering of serum phosphorus concentrations, serum parathyroid hormone concentrations decreased approximately 30% from levels obtained while patients were taking placebo.