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Potassium binder

Patiromer calcium

Brand names: Veltassa

Patiromer calcium is an oral non-absorbed potassium-binding powder used to treat hyperkalaemia, often in patients with chronic kidney disease or those on renin-angiotensin system inhibitors.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It exchanges calcium for potassium primarily in the distal colon, increasing faecal potassium excretion and thereby lowering serum potassium without being systemically absorbed.

Prescribing in practice

  • Separate patiromer from other oral medicines by an adequate interval because it can bind co-administered drugs in the gut and reduce their absorption.
  • It is not for emergency treatment of life-threatening hyperkalaemia as its onset is too slow; use established acute measures instead.
  • It can cause hypomagnesaemia and constipation, and should be taken with food.

Monitoring

Monitor serum potassium and magnesium during treatment and after dose changes.

Counselling the patient

  • Take it separately from your other tablets, leaving a gap as advised.
  • Mix the powder with water as directed and take it with food.
  • Attend for your blood tests to check potassium and magnesium.

Evidence & guidelines

Randomised trials demonstrate sustained potassium lowering, and current prescribing references and the SPC support its use including alongside RAS inhibitors in CKD.

Reference: NICE TA1064; SmPC; Confirm identity and dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC) and NICE. Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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