Patiromer
Brand names: Veltassa
Patiromer is a non-absorbed potassium-binding polymer used to treat hyperkalaemia, including in patients with chronic kidney disease or those on renin-angiotensin system inhibitors.
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 ions within the gastrointestinal lumen, increasing faecal potassium excretion and lowering serum potassium.
Prescribing in practice
- Separate administration from other oral medicines by several hours, as patiromer can bind co-administered drugs and reduce their absorption.
- It has a delayed onset and is not suitable as sole treatment for life-threatening hyperkalaemia requiring emergency management.
- Mix the powder with water and take with food as directed in the SPC; monitor for hypomagnesaemia and gastrointestinal effects such as constipation.
Monitoring
Monitor serum potassium and magnesium periodically, guided by clinical context and renal function.
Counselling the patient
- Take this medicine at a separate time from your other tablets, leaving a gap as advised.
- Report symptoms such as constipation, swelling or muscle weakness to your clinician.
Evidence & guidelines
Patiromer is recommended by NICE as an option for managing hyperkalaemia in defined patient groups, with efficacy demonstrated in randomised controlled trials.
Reference: OPAL-HK and AMETHYST-DN trials; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). 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.