NCIt definition : A calcium-free, iron and magnesium hydroxy carbonate and inorganic phosphate binder
with phosphate lowering activity. Fermagate is made up of magnesium and ferric iron
atoms held in an insoluble, rigid, crystalline-layered structure, with carbonate groups
lying between the layers. Upon oral administration, the carbonate ions in fermagate
are exchanged for free phosphate ions released from food in the gastrointestinal tract;
thereby, strongly binding phosphate. This inhibits phosphate uptake, lowers phosphate
plasma levels and preventing hyperphosphatemia.;