Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate
Generic name: sodium zirconium cyclosilicate
Brand name: Lokelma
Dosage form: powder, for oral suspension
Drug class:Cation exchange resins
What is sodium zirconium cyclosilicate?
Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (Lokelma) is a drug that binds potassium. Potassium binders are used to treat a condition called hyperkalemia, which is when you have too much potassium in your blood.
Hyperkalemia is more common in people with kidney disease, heart failure, high blood pressure and diabetes. It's also more common in people who eat a diet high in potassium-rich foods and take drugs that prevent the removal of potassium, including some drugs for your heart or blood pressure.
Potassium is found in certain foods and drinks and is an important nutrient that helps keep your body working well, including your heart, nerves, muscles, bones and digestive system.
Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate works quickly to reduce your potassium levels by binding to potassium in your digestive tract, so that it isn't absorbed into your blood stream.
Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018.
What is sodium zirconium cyclosilicate used for?
Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate is a prescription medication used to treat adults with hyperkalemia.
Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate should not be used as an emergency treatment for life-threatening hyperkalemia because of its delayed onset of action.
Important information
Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate can cause swelling (edema) caused by fluid retention in your body (such as hands, ankles, feet).
- Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate contains 400 mg of sodium in each 5 g dose. Watch for signs of swelling in your body especially if you limit sodium in your diet or are likely to have fluid retention in your body due to heart or kidney problems. Your doctor may tell you to reduce the sodium in your diet
- If you are not on dialysis, your doctor may also tell you to increase the dose of your diuretic
If you are a hemodialysis patient:
- Do not take sodium zirconium cyclosilicate on dialysis days
- Tell your doctor if you suddenly feel sick such as decreased oral intake of food or fluids or diarrhea, as you may be at risk of developing low levels of potassium in your blood while on sodium zirconium cyclosilicate. If you happens your dose of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate may need to be adjusted
Tell your doctor(s) you are taking sodium zirconium cyclosilicate before having an abdominal X-ray as it may appear on the X-ray.
Who should not take sodium zirconium cyclosilicate?
Do not take sodium zirconium cyclosilicate if you are allergic to sodium zirconium cyclosilicate or any of the other ingredients in it. See below for a complete list of ingredients.
What should I tell my doctor before taking sodium zirconium cyclosilicate?
Before taking sodium zirconium cyclosilicate, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including
