Sevelamer
Also known as: Renagel, Renvela
> **Crucial Timing**: This medication **must be given with meals** to work properly. It acts like a sponge to soak up the phosphorus in your pet's food before it can enter their body. * **Separate from other medications**: Sevelamer can prevent other drugs from being absorbed. Give other medications at least **1 hour before** or **3 hours after** giving sevelamer. * **Vitamins**: Your veterinarian may recommend a vitamin supplement, as this drug can reduce the absorption of vitamins from food. * **Side Effects**: Watch for signs of stomach upset, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Contact your veterinarian if these occur.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Hyperphosphatemia
- Chronic kidney disease (hyperphosphataemia)
- Hyperphosphatemia
- Chronic kidney disease (hyperphosphataemia)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation)
- Decreased absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and folic acid
- Constipation
- Pills are hygroscopic and will expand (potential risk of esophageal obstruction if not swallowed quickly)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypophosphatemia
- Bowel obstruction
- Known hypersensitivity to sevelamer
- Gastrointestinal obstruction
- > **Pregnancy & Nursing**: Safety during pregnancy is not established (FDA Category C). Because of the potential for binding vitamins, additional vitamins (both fat and water-soluble) may be necessary for pregnant or nursing animals. * **Vitamin K Deficiency**: Because sevelamer can bind fat-soluble vitamins, it may impact Vitamin K absorption, potentially affecting coagulation. * **Administration Timing**: Must be given with meals to be effective at binding dietary phosphorus.
Drug interactions
- Anticonvulsants (oral): Sevelamer may reduce oral absorption; give at least 1 hour before or 3 hours after sevelamer.
- Antiarrhythmics (oral): Sevelamer may reduce oral absorption; give at least 1 hour before or 3 hours after sevelamer.
- Ciprofloxacin (and other oral fluoroquinolones): Concurrent administration may decrease absorption by 50%; administer at least 1 hour before or 3 hours after sevelamer.
- Oral Medications (Narrow Therapeutic Index): May reduce absorption; consider dosing other oral drugs separately.
- Vitamins: Sevelamer may reduce vitamin absorption from food; consider administering vitamin supplements separately.
- Other oral medications: May bind to and decrease the absorption of concurrently administered oral drugs. Should be given at least 1 hour before or 3 hours after other medications.
- Fat-soluble vitamins (e.g., Vitamin K): May inhibit vitamin absorption; consider monitoring prothrombin time.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sevelamer used for in pets?
> **Crucial Timing**: This medication **must be given with meals** to work properly. It acts like a sponge to soak up the phosphorus in your pet's food before it can enter their body. * **Separate from other medications**: Sevelamer can prevent other drugs from being absorbed. Give other medications at least **1 hour before** or **3 hours after** giving sevelamer. * **Vitamins**: Your veterinarian may recommend a vitamin supplement, as this drug can reduce the absorption of vitamins from food. * **Side Effects**: Watch for signs of stomach upset, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Contact your veterinarian if these occur.
Is Sevelamer safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
Worried about your pet?
Peqaboo’s AI helps you track symptoms, understand lab reports, and know when to see a vet.
Get the Peqaboo app