Ketosteril tablet

About Ketosteril tablet

What is Ketosteril tablet used for

Ketosteril tablet is used with a low protein diet to manage chronic kidney disease in adults with reduced kidney function.

It helps meet the body's protein needs without adding extra nitrogen waste that damaged kidneys struggle to clear.

How does Ketosteril tablet work

Ketosteril supplies keto acid analogues and essential amino acids that the liver converts into the amino acids the body needs.

This happens without the nitrogen load of regular dietary protein, easing strain on failing kidneys and helping slow disease progression.

Who should not use Ketosteril tablet

• People with high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia)
• People with a known disorder of amino acid metabolism
• People allergic to any ingredient in the tablet
• Anyone not following a controlled low protein diet under medical supervision

Who benefits most from Ketosteril tablet

Patients with Stage 3 to 5 chronic kidney disease who are not yet on dialysis often benefit most from Ketosteril.

In Pakistan, this includes many diabetic and hypertensive patients, since these two conditions are the leading causes of CKD nationwide.

Ketosteril tablet formula

• Calcium 3-methyl-2-oxovaleric acid (alpha-ketoanalogue to isoleucine) 67mg
• Calcium 4-methyl-2-oxovaleric acid (alpha-ketoanalogue to leucine) 101mg
• Calcium 2-oxo-3-phenylpropionic acid (alpha-ketoanalogue to phenylalanine) 68mg

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Ketosteril tablet?

• Take Ketosteril tablets with meals, swallowed whole with a glass of water.
• The usual adult dose is 4 to 8 tablets three times a day, adjusted by the treating nephrologist based on body weight.
• Keep following the prescribed low protein diet while using this medicine so it works as intended.
• Do not change the dose without medical advice, since requirements shift as kidney function changes.

Drug Interactions

• Calcium supplements or vitamin D: Combined use raises the risk of hypercalcemia, so blood calcium needs monitoring.
• Tetracycline or fluoroquinolone antibiotics: Ketosteril's calcium content can lower absorption of these antibiotics, so a 2 hour gap between doses is recommended.
• Iron or fluoride supplements: Absorption may drop if taken at the same time as Ketosteril.
• Digoxin and other cardiac glycosides: Higher calcium levels can heighten sensitivity to these heart medicines.

Risks and warnings

• Hypercalcemia risk: Regular blood calcium checks are advised, especially if the patient also takes vitamin D or calcium supplements common in Pakistani CKD care.
• Diet dependence: Ketosteril only works when paired with a strict low protein diet planned by a nephrologist or dietitian.
• Not a dialysis substitute: This supplement does not replace dialysis or the core CKD treatment prescribed by a kidney specialist.
• Diabetic and elderly patients: Closer monitoring is needed since diabetic kidney disease is a leading cause of CKD across Pakistan.

• Mild nausea or stomach discomfort
• Reduced appetite in some patients
• Elevated blood calcium levels with long term use
• Rare allergic reactions such as skin rash

Storage Conditions

• Store Ketosteril tablets below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the blister pack sealed until each dose is due to protect tablets from humidity.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Discard any tablets past the expiry date printed on the pack.