Mechanism of Action

ZrSi crystal magnified under a Scanning Electron Microscope

ZS-9, shown above, releases sodium (Na+) and hydrogen (H+) into the gut and absorbs potassium (K+) and ammonium (NH4+). However, ZS-9 does not exchange calcium (Ca++) or magnesium (Mg++) because these are large divalent rather than monovalent ions. ZS-9 is called a cation exchanger and is in the class of drugs known as oral sorbents. It is possible to also remove phosphate when used with an anion exchanger.