Traditionally, phosphate binders containing aluminum have been used effectively to control serum phosphorus levels in patients with chronic renal failure. In these patients, however, absorption and accumulation of aluminum in plasma and tissues can lead to debilitating pathologic conditions, including aluminum-related osteodystrophy. An alternative therapeutic approach using calcium carbonate as a phosphate binder has been proven to be effective. In a recent study of 20 patients on chronic hemodialysis, the efficacy of calcium carbonate therapy was demonstrated. Serum phosphorus levels in these patients were 4.8 +/- 0.13 mg/dL with the use of aluminum-containing phosphate binders, 7.3 +/- 0.26 mg/dL when phosphate binders were discontinued, and 4.8 +/- 0.17 mg/dL with the use of calcium carbonate (Os-CaL 500) therapy. The total amount of aluminum ingested for all 20 patients combined went from 112 g/d at the beginning of the study to 22 g/d at the end of the study. The amounts of calcium carbonate administered varied because of large variations in dietary phosphorus intake between patients. In addition, the individual distribution of phosphorus intake during the day dictated the dosing schedule. There were no adverse side effects associated with calcium carbonate therapy. A few patients ingesting large amounts of calcium carbonate to control their extremely high phosphorus levels developed hypercalcemia. However, this effect was reversible after discontinuation of calcium carbonate therapy.