The FDA has approved sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (Lokelma – AstraZeneca), an oral potassium binder that exchanges hydrogen and sodium for potassium in the gastrointestinal (GI) lumen, for treatment of non-life-threatening hyperkalemia in adults. Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) is the third drug to be approved for this indication; sodium polystyrene sulfonate and patiromer (Veltassa)1 were approved earlier.

HYPERKALEMIA — Risk factors for hyperkalemia include renal disease, diabetes, and heart failure. The risk is increased with use of drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), direct renin inhibitors, and aldosterone antagonists. Dosage reduction or discontinuation of RAAS inhibitors because of hyperkalemia is sometimes required. Some ... more      

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