Patiromer (brand name Veltassa) is a non-absorbed, sodium-free medication used to treat hyperkalemia.
It is typically used for chronic management rather than emergency treatment because its effect takes approximately 7 hours to begin.
It is a potassium binder that stays in the gastrointestinal tract and exchanges calcium for potassium.
The bound potassium is then excreted through the feces.
It comes as a powder to be mixed with water and taken orally, usually once daily with food.
It is especially useful for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or heart failure who are taking RAAS inhibitors (like ACE inhibitors or ARBs) that can raise potassium levels.
Common side effects of patiromer: Most side effects are gastrointestinal, including: Constipation Low blood magnesium (hypomagnesemia) Abdominal pain and nausea
Patiromer can bind to other oral medications, reducing their absorption.
To avoid this, it is recommended to take other oral drugs at least 3 hours before or 3 hours after patiromer.