Lokelma® Oral Powder for Hyperkalemia

Lokelma® is an oral potassium binder used to treat hyperkalemia in adults. This page explains how it works, how to mix doses, and safety basics, with US delivery from Canada for those paying without insurance. Use it to review key points before requesting a refill.

What Lokelma Is and How It Works

The first dose is usually mixed in water and swallowed. The treatment exchanges potassium for hydrogen and sodium in the gut, helping remove excess potassium through the stool. It acts in the gastrointestinal tract rather than the bloodstream.

Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate is the active ingredient. It is not absorbed systemically, and it can be used for both initial correction and ongoing maintenance as directed by your prescriber.

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This medicine is not for emergency treatment of life-threatening hyperkalemia. It may be used in adults with chronic kidney disease or heart failure when high potassium is confirmed by lab testing. Always follow the official label and your clinician’s instructions.

Who It’s For

This therapy is approved for adults diagnosed with high serum potassium. It may be continued for maintenance to help keep potassium within a target range when ongoing control is needed. People with severe constipation, bowel obstruction, or significant gastrointestinal motility problems should avoid it unless a prescriber advises otherwise.

Lokelma indication is the treatment of hyperkalemia in adults. Patients with conditions that predispose to fluid retention, such as heart failure or advanced kidney disease, should be monitored because the product contains sodium. Learn more about the condition on our Hyperkalemia page.

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Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescription exactly. For initial correction, some adults may start with multiple doses over the first 48 hours. A maintenance schedule may follow once daily, then adjusted by the prescriber based on potassium levels. Stir each packet into water and drink the entire mixture. If extra water is needed to rinse the cup, drink that too.

Lokelma how to take: empty the packet into about three tablespoons of water, stir well, drink immediately, and repeat as directed to ensure the full dose is taken. Do not heat, microwave, or add to acidic drinks. Separate this medicine from other oral drugs by at least two hours because it can change stomach pH and affect absorption.

Do not use more packets than prescribed. Your healthcare professional may adjust the regimen if your labs change.

Strengths and Forms

This therapy comes as single-use powder packets for oral suspension. Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate oral powder is available in commonly published 5 g and 10 g packet strengths. You mix each packet with water right before dosing.

Availability can vary by fill. Your prescriber may choose a packet size and frequency suited to your lab results. If you have questions about packet strength in stock, contact our pharmacy team for current options.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a maintenance dose, take the next one as scheduled. Do not double up. If you are on an initial correction plan and miss a dose, follow your prescriber’s guidance or the official label for the next step.

Lokelma with food is acceptable. You can take it with or without meals, but always mix with water and drink promptly. Keep a simple routine and set reminders to support consistent use.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store packets at room temperature in a dry place. Keep them in the original box to protect from moisture. Do not open a packet until you are ready to stir it into water. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

When traveling, carry packets in your hand luggage with a copy of your prescription. A simple note listing your dosing schedule can help you stay on track away from home. Avoid extreme heat or humidity, and do not store packets in a bathroom. If you cross time zones, keep the daily dosing interval roughly consistent with your prescriber’s plan.

Benefits

This potassium binder works in the gut and is not absorbed, which helps limit systemic effects. It can be used for initial correction and for ongoing maintenance, offering flexibility across care plans. Mixing a packet into water is straightforward once you learn the steps. For many adults, a once-daily maintenance schedule supports adherence.

The therapy can be used alongside other treatments for kidney or heart conditions under medical supervision. Regular lab monitoring allows your prescriber to tailor dosing over time.

Side Effects and Safety

Common effects may include:

• Mild swelling in ankles or feet, especially with higher doses
• Gastrointestinal discomfort such as constipation
• Changes in electrolyte levels, including low potassium if over-corrected
• Minor nausea or abdominal bloating

Serious or rare risks can include marked edema, significant electrolyte disturbances, or gastrointestinal effects in those with preexisting bowel issues. This medicine is not for emergent situations. Contact your clinician promptly if you notice worsening swelling, muscle weakness, palpitations, severe constipation, or signs of low potassium.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

This binder can transiently increase stomach pH and may affect absorption of some oral medications. Separate dosing of other pills or liquids by at least two hours before or after each packet. Sodium content can contribute to fluid retention; patients with heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, or on sodium-restricted diets should be monitored.

Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate 10 g packets may contribute to sodium load; your prescriber will guide the right schedule. If you take renin-angiotensin system blockers, be aware of added hyperkalemia risk and the need for monitoring. Learn more about these classes via our pages for Losartan and Ramipril.

Tell your healthcare professional about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you use. This includes diuretics, mineral supplements, and over-the-counter products. One micro trust cue for your privacy and safety: encrypted checkout supports personal data security.

What to Expect Over Time

Your prescriber will monitor potassium levels and adjust dosing as needed. Some people notice fewer symptoms related to high potassium as their labs improve, but many have no symptoms regardless of level. Keep attending lab appointments and follow the schedule provided.

Consistency helps. Build a quick routine to stir, drink, and rinse the cup at the same time each day. If your diet changes or a new medicine is added, ask whether your dosing plan needs review. Ongoing lifestyle guidance from your clinician can complement this therapy.

Compare With Alternatives

Two options your prescriber may also consider are patiromer and older resins. We offer Veltassa Sachet (patiromer), another oral potassium binder mixed with water. Some clinicians may use sodium polystyrene sulfonate in specific situations; your prescriber will advise based on your history and lab results.

Pricing and Access

Want to lower costs? Compare Canadian pricing on this medicine with US shipping from Canada. Many patients check the price of Lokelma and then discuss multi-month options with their prescriber to reduce refill frequency.

To see current options, visit the product page for pack sizes and availability. If you’re looking for coupons, see our Promotions. Final costs vary by strength, quantity, and your prescription.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply may vary by strength and pack count. If your preferred packet size is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend an alternative strength or a different binder. Browse our Other category for additional therapies your clinician may consider.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This treatment may suit adults with confirmed hyperkalemia needing a non-absorbed binder. It may not be appropriate for those with bowel obstruction, severe constipation, or significant fluid retention risk. People on sodium-restricted diets should review the plan with their clinician.

• Multi-month fills: fewer refills and potential savings
• Lab alignment: schedule refills around planned testing
• Travel-ready packs: keep packets in original boxes
• Routine reminders: set phone alerts for daily dosing

Ask your clinician about food choices and medicines that affect potassium. A practical eating plan can support safe long-term control.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• My target potassium: what range is right for me?
• Packet strength: should I use 5 g or 10 g?
• Timing: how should I separate other pills by two hours?
• Sodium intake: do I need a fluid or salt restriction?
• Monitoring: how often will labs be checked?
• Adjustments: when should my dose be increased or reduced?

Authoritative Sources

US Prescribing Information (FDA)

DailyMed Monograph

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to proceed? Place your prescription order for this medicine with prompt, express shipping. Prescription required and verified; temperature-controlled handling when required. This content is educational and not a substitute for medical advice.