Lokelma vs. Kayexalate for Hyperkalemia: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Lokelma

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Sodium polystyrene sulfonate

(SPS)

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Summary for Lokelma

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.

Indications for Lokelma

High potassium levels (hyperkalemia) in adults

Pros and Cons for Lokelma

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

Common Side Effects for Lokelma

Swelling in the hands, legs, and feet (up to 16%)

Warnings for Lokelma

Worsening of stomach problems
Swelling
Low potassium level (people on hemodialysis)

Summary for Kayexalate

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 for Kayexalate

High potassium levels (hyperkalemia)

Pros and Cons for Kayexalate

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 for Kayexalate

Low appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Diarrhea

Warnings for Kayexalate

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

Lokelma30 packets / 10g

$862.65$1,109.30

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Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate1 can / 454g

$55.95$156.81

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Lokelma vs. Kayexalate

Lokelma

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate

Summary for Lokelma

Indications for Lokelma

Pros and Cons for Lokelma

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Lokelma

Warnings for Lokelma

Summary for Kayexalate

Indications for Kayexalate

Pros and Cons for Kayexalate

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Kayexalate

Warnings for Kayexalate

Prices with our coupons for Lokelma vs. Kayexalate

Browse medications by letter

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Lokelma

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate

Summary for Lokelma

Indications for Lokelma

Pros and Cons for Lokelma

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Lokelma

Warnings for Lokelma

Summary for Kayexalate

Indications for Kayexalate

Pros and Cons for Kayexalate

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Kayexalate

Warnings for Kayexalate