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Compare Lokelma vs. Kayexalate

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Lokelma
    Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS)
  • Lokelma
    Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS)

  • Summary of Lokelma vs. Kayexalate

    Summary for Potassium binder
    Prescription only

    Lokelma, also known by its generic name sodium zirconium cyclosilicate, is used to treat adults with high potassium levels (hyperkalemia). It belongs to the class of medications called potassium binders. The medication comes as a packet of powder that's mixed with 3 tablespoons of water. Dosing is usually adjusted based on your blood potassium levels, but after the first two days of treatment, it's typically taken by mouth once a day. The most common side effect is swelling from too much fluid.

    Summary for Potassium binder
    Prescription only

    Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (more commonly known by its brand name, Kayexalate) is a medication used to treat high potassium levels (hyperkalemia). Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) is available as a liquid suspension that's given orally (by mouth) or as an enema. It also comes as a powder that needs to be mixed into a suspension. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) is typically taken 1 to 4 times a day, but make sure to follow your provider's instructions. This medication can cause low appetite and stomach-related side effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea).

  • Indications of Lokelma vs. Kayexalate

    Indications for
    •High potassium levels (hyperkalemia) in adults
    Indications for
    •High potassium levels (hyperkalemia)

  • Pros and Cons of Lokelma vs. Kayexalate

    Pros and Const for Potassium binder
    Pros
    •Works well to lower potassium levels
    •Generally well tolerated with few side effects
    •Not absorbed in your body, so it's expected to be safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding
    Cons
    •Can't be used to quickly lower high potassium level in emergency situations
    •Only available as a powder that needs to be mixed with water
    •Not known whether it's safe for use in children
    Pros and Const for Potassium binder
    Pros
    •Option for taking by mouth or as an enema
    •Powder form can be stored at room temperature
    •Available in a lower-cost, generic form
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option for lowering potassium levels
    •Must space out at least 3 hours from other oral (by mouth) medications
    •Not a good choice for people with gut-movement problems

  • Common Side Effects of Lokelma vs. Kayexalate

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling in the hands, legs, and feet (up to 16%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low appetite
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Diarrhea

  • Warnings of Lokelma vs. Kayexalate

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of stomach problems
    •Swelling
    •Low potassium level (people on hemodialysis)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious stomach and intestinal side effects (intestinal necrosis)
    •Low potassium, magnesium, and calcium levels
    •Swelling
    •Separate from other medications
    •Choking risk

  • Prices with our coupons for Lokelma vs. Kayexalate

    Learn more about Lokelma
    Learn more about Sodium polystyrene sulfonate

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