Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
oral powder for suspension
- 8.4g/packet
- 16.8g/packet
- 25.2g/packet
Hyperkalemia
Indicated for hyperkalemia
Initial: 8.4 g PO qDay
Monitor serum potassium and adjust dose based on the serum potassium level and the desired target range
May increase or decrease dose as necessary; not to exceed 25.2 g qDay
May titrate upward at 1-week or longer intervals, in increments of 8.4 g
Note: Doses exceeding 50.4 g/day have not been tested; excessive doses may result in hypokalemia; restore serum potassium if hypokalemia occurs
Also see Administration
Dosage Modifications
Renal impairment
- No dosing adjustments are needed
- Of the 666 patients treated with patiromer in clinical studies, 93% had chronic kidney disease
Dosing Considerations
Limitations of use: Should not be used as an emergency treatment for life-threatening hyperkalemia because of its delayed onset of action
Safety and efficacy not established
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results

Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor

Adverse Effects
1-10%
Constipation (7.2%)
Hypomagnesemia (5.3%)
Diarrhea (4.8%)
Hypokalemia, <3.5 mEq/L (4.7%)
Nausea (2.3%)
Abdominal discomfort (2%)
Flatulence (2%)
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to patiromer or its components
Cautions
Patiromer binds many orally administered medications, which could decrease their GI absorption and lead to reduced efficacy (see Administration)
Avoid use with severe constipation, bowel obstruction, or impaction, including abnormal postoperative bowel motility disorders; patiromer may be ineffective with these conditions present and may worsen GI conditions
Patients with a history of bowel obstruction or major GI surgery, severe GI disorders, or swallowing disorders were not included in clinical trials
Binds to magnesium in the colon, which can lead to hypomagnesemia; monitor serum magnesium; consider magnesium supplementation if low serum magnesium levels observed
Pregnancy
Pregnancy
Not absorbed systemically following oral administration, and maternal use is not expected to result in fetal risk
Lactation
Not absorbed systemically by the mother, so breastfeeding is not expected to result in risk to the infant
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Binds and removes potassium from the GI tract, particularly the colon
Patiromer is a nonabsorbed, cation exchange polymer that contains a calcium-sorbitol counterion
Absorption
Not systemically absorbed
Quantitative whole-body autoradiography analysis in rats demonstrated that radioactivity was limited to the GI tract, with no detectable level of radioactivity in any other tissues or organs
Elimination
Excretion: Feces
Administration
Oral Suspension Preparation
Prepare each dose immediately before administering
Measure 1/3 cup of water and pour half of water into a glass; empty the entire contents of the packet(s) into the glass and stir
Add remaining half of water and stir the mixture thoroughly
Powder will not dissolve and mixture will look cloudy; add more water to mixture as needed for desired consistency
Drink mixture immediately; if some powder remains in the glass after drinking, add more water, stir, and drink immediately; repeat as needed to ensure the entire dose is administered
Other beverages or soft foods (eg, applesauce, yogurt, pudding) may be use instead of water to prepare mixture by following the above steps
Consider the potassium content of liquids or soft foods used to prepare the mixture as part of the dietary recommendations on potassium intake for each patient
Oral Administration
Prepare oral suspension (see above) and drink immediately after preparation
Do not heat (eg, microwave) or add to heated foods or liquids
Do not take in its dry form
May decrease absorption other oral medications; administer at least 3 hr before or after other oral medications
Storage
Unopened packets
- Refrigerate at 2-8ºC (36-46ºF)
- If stored at room temperature (25ºC [77ºF]), use within 3 months of being taken out of the refrigerator
- Avoid exposure to excessive heat >40ºC (>104ºF)
Images
BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
---|---|---|---|
Veltassa oral - | 25.2 gram powder | ![]() | |
Veltassa oral - | 16.8 gram powder | ![]() | |
Veltassa oral - | 8.4 gram powder | ![]() | |
Veltassa oral - | 8.4 gram powder | ![]() | |
Veltassa oral - | 8.4 gram powder | ![]() |
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Formulary
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