Uses
What is Lokelma used for?
Lokelma (sodium zirconium cyclosilicate) is commonly used to treat high potassium levels (hyperkalemia).
Learn more about Lokelma for High Potassium (Hyperkalemia).
Lokelma may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Lokelma work (mechanism of action)?
Lokelma works by binding to potassium in the intestines. When Lokelma binds to potassium, the potassium is not absorbed into the body, which helps to lower potassium levels.
How is Lokelma supplied (dosage forms)?
Lokelma is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 5 g packets of powder for oral suspension
- 10 g packets of powder for oral suspension
How should I store Lokelma?
Lokelma should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C). Store in a cool, dry place. Each dose should be kept inside of the original foil packet until use.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Lokelma?
The most common side effects of Lokelma are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Fluid retention (see below)
There may be other side effects of Lokelma that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Lokelma?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Lokelma are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Lokelma may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Lokelma and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Fluid Retention (Edema). Each 5-gram dose of Lokelma contains 400 mg of sodium. For people who are sensitive to sodium or who are on a low-sodium diet, this may cause fluid retention and swelling. Fluid retention can cause serious issues in people with certain conditions, such as heart failure or kidney disease. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Stretched or shiny skin
- Swollen body parts, such as the belly or ankles
Low Potassium Level (Hypokalemia). Lokelma can cause a low potassium level, which can be serious and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider will check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a low potassium level.
- Weakness
- Unusual tiredness
- Muscle cramps or twitching
- Constipation
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Lokelma?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Lokelma.
- Lokelma
- Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Lokelma.
What should I know about Lokelma before using it?
Do not take Lokelma unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Lokelma with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Lokelma out of the reach of children.
Lokelma is a powder that comes in a foil packet. To take Lokelma, you will need to mix it with at least 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) of water. Stir the dose well, then drink it immediately. If any powder is left in the glass after taking the dose, add more water, stir well, and drink the rest of the dose.
Each 5-gram dose of Lokelma contains 400 mg of sodium. If you are sensitive to sodium or are on a low-sodium diet, you may need to make changes to your diet while taking Lokelma.
Lokelma may appear on an X-ray of the abdomen (stomach area), which can make the X-ray difficult to read. If you are scheduled for an X-ray, let your healthcare provider know that you are taking Lokelma.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Lokelma?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Lokelma is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
- A current illness that involves diarrhea or that is causing you to eat or drink less than usual, especially if you are on dialysis
- A disorder that causes the intestines to move slowly (motility disorder)
- An upcoming X-ray
- Bowel obstruction
- Heart problems, including heart failure or an abnormal heart rhythm
- History of fluid retention and swelling (edema)
- Kidney problems, including if you are on dialysis
- Low-sodium diet
- Severe constipation
Other Medicines and Supplements. Lokelma may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Lokelma, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. Lokelma is not absorbed by the body and is not expected to reach the baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Lokelma while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Lokelma is not absorbed by the body and is not expected to pass into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Lokelma while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Lokelma?
For more information about Lokelma, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.lokelma.com or call them at 800-236-9933.
Interactions
Does Lokelma interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Lokelma and foods or drinks.
If you are on a low-sodium diet, you may need to make changes to your diet while you are taking Lokelma. Each 5-gram dose of Lokelma contains 400 mg of sodium.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Lokelma.
Does Lokelma interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Lokelma may affect the absorption of some other medicines. Avoid taking Lokelma within two hours before or after taking other medicines. If you are not able to do this, speak with your healthcare provider about the best way to take your medicines.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Lokelma. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Lokelma?
If you or someone else has used too much Lokelma, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Lokelma?
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose at your normal time. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Lokelma (sodium zirconium cyclosilicate)?
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.