Ferric Citrate (ferric citrate)

Iron Oral Tablet

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Ferric citrate is a phosphate binder used to reduce the intestinal absorption of phosphates.

Ferric citrate is a phosphate binder used to reduce the intestinal absorption of phosphates. Ferric iron binds dietary phosphate in the GI tract, forming an insoluble complex (ferric phosphate) that is excreted in feces. By decreasing absorption of phosphates from the GI tract, ferric citrate lowers serum phosphate concentrations in a dose-dependent manner.

Ferric citrate also has been shown to alter serum iron indices, increasing ferritin, iron, and transferrin saturation (TSAT). In a 52-week study in which administration of IV iron was permitted, mean ferritin concentrations, TSAT, and iron concentrations in dialysis patients receiving ferric citrate increased from 593 ng/mL (at baseline) to 895 ng/mL (at week 52), from 31% to 39%, and from 73 mcg/dL to 88 mcg/dL, respectively, but remained relatively constant in patients receiving a comparator phosphate binder (calcium acetate and/or sevelamer carbonate). Formal pharmacokinetic studies have not been performed with ferric citrate.

However, changes in serum iron indices indicate that iron from ferric citrate is systemically absorbed.

USES: Ferric citrate is used to lower high blood phosphate levels in people who are on dialysis due to severe kidney disease. Dialysis removes some phosphate from your blood, but it is difficult to remove enough to keep your phosphate levels balanced. Decreasing blood phosphate levels can help keep your bones strong, prevent unsafe buildup of minerals in your body, and may decrease the risk of heart disease and strokes that can result from high phosphate levels.

This medication works by binding to phosphate in the foods you eat. The phosphate then passes out of your body in your stool. Ferric citrate is a form of iron.

This medication is also used to treat low blood levels of iron (anemia) in people with long-term kidney disease who are not on dialysis. Iron is an important mineral that your body needs to produce red blood cells and keep you in good health.

Generic name: ferric citrate
Pronunciation: (FER-us SI-trate)
Drug class: Iron
Therapeutic class: Genitourinary Therapy

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Ferric Citrate:

  • Anemia In Non-Dialysis-Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease
  • Renal Osteodystrophy With Hyperphosphatemia

Also known as: Anemia In Ckd-Nd, Anemia In Ndd-Ckd, Anemia In Non-Hemodialysis-Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease, Renal Osteodystrophy With Hyperphospheremia.

Dosing

The recommended initial dosage of ferric citrate for the reduction of hyperphosphatemia in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are undergoing dialysis is 2 g 3 times daily.

Serum phosphorus concentrations should be monitored and dosage should be titrated at intervals of 1 week or longer in decrements or increments of 1-2 g daily as needed to maintain target serum phosphorus concentrations, up to a maximum dosage of 12 g daily. In a clinical study, patients required an average ferric citrate dosage of 8-9 g daily to control serum phosphorus concentrations.

Drug interactions

For most oral drugs, empiric data concerning the avoidance of interactions with ferric citrate are not available. If a reduction in bioavailability of the concomitantly used agent would have a clinically important effect on its safety or efficacy, administration of the 2 drugs at different times should be considered. The spacing of the doses is dependent upon the absorption characteristics of the concomitantly used drug (e.g., time to peak plasma concentrations, formulation (i.e., immediate release or extended release)). Clinicians should consider monitoring clinical responses and/or blood concentrations of any concomitantly used drugs with a narrow therapeutic index.

Contraindications

Ferric citrate is contraindicated in patients with iron overload syndromes (e.g., hemochromatosis).

Adverse reactions

Adverse events reported in more than 5% of patients receiving ferric citrate include diarrhea, nausea, constipation, vomiting, and cough.

Precautions

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ICD codes

CodeTypeDescription
Anemia in non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease
D63.1ICD10CMAnemia in chronic kidney disease
Renal osteodystrophy with hyperphosphatemia
N25.0ICD10CMRenal osteodystrophy

ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data