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What Is Lokelma?

Lokelma is a prescription potassium binder containing sodium zirconium cyclosilicate. It is indicated for treatment of hyperkalemia, or elevated blood potassium, in adults. Current packets contain 5 g or 10 g of powder that is mixed with water before administration. Lokelma is not used as emergency treatment for life-threatening hyperkalemia due to its delayed onset.

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What Is Lokelma?

Lokelma is a prescription potassium binder containing sodium zirconium cyclosilicate. It is indicated for treatment of hyperkalemia, or elevated blood potassium, in adults. Current packets contain 5 g or 10 g of powder that is mixed with water before administration. Lokelma is not used as emergency treatment for life-threatening hyperkalemia due to its delayed onset.

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How Does Lokelma Lower Potassium?

Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate is a nonabsorbed compound that binds potassium in the gastrointestinal tract in exchange for hydrogen and sodium ions. Bound potassium is eliminated through the stool, reducing the amount of potassium in the body and lowering blood potassium concentrations.

Who Is Treated With Lokelma?

Lokelma treats adults with hyperkalemia, including patients with chronic kidney disease or those receiving maintenance hemodialysis. Treatment is adjusted according to serum potassium measurements. Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established.

How Is Lokelma Dosed?

Initial treatment uses 10 g by mouth three times daily for up to 48 hours. Continued treatment usually starts at 10 g once daily, with a maintenance range of 5 g every other day to 15 g daily. Patients receiving chronic hemodialysis usually start at 5 g once daily on nondialysis days. Other oral medicines are generally taken at least two hours before or after Lokelma.

What Serious Risks Are Linked to Lokelma?

Lokelma contains sodium and can cause or worsen edema, particularly in patients with heart failure or kidney disease. Excessive potassium removal can cause hypokalemia, especially in patients receiving hemodialysis. Patients with severe constipation, bowel obstruction, or abnormal intestinal motility require special caution. Lokelma is radiopaque and can interfere with the interpretation of abdominal X-rays.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lokelma

What condition does Lokelma treat?

Lokelma treats hyperkalemia, or elevated blood potassium, in adults.

What is the recommended initial dose?

The recommended initial dose is 10 g three times daily for up to 48 hours.

How is Lokelma given to patients receiving hemodialysis?

Patients receiving chronic hemodialysis usually start at 5 g once daily on nondialysis days.

Can Lokelma cause fluid retention?

Yes. Lokelma contains sodium and can cause edema, particularly in patients susceptible to fluid retention.

References

DailyMed - LOKELMA (sodium zirconium cyclosilicate) powder, for suspension. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=8833d6e6-33ab-4ea9-b78f-3ec30a904ef8. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

LOKELMA Prescribing Information. AstraZeneca. https://medicalinformation.astrazeneca-us.com/prescribing-information/lokelma.html. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate. FDA Global Substance Registration System. https://precision.fda.gov/ginas/app/ui/substances/a1184b91-cdd6-45d4-b8a9-fecd30e887d3. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate. MedlinePlus. https://www.medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a618035.html. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Sodium-Zirconium-Cyclosilicate. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.