patiromer sorbitex calcium at a glance
Medicine class
Non-absorbed cation-exchange polymer and potassium binder
Licensed use
Treatment of hyperkalaemia in adults and adolescents aged 12 to 17 years
Emergency use
Not a substitute for emergency treatment of life-threatening hyperkalaemia because its action is delayed
Administration
Mix the powder into a suspension; never swallow it dry or add it to hot food or drink
Other oral medicines
Most should be taken at least three hours apart because patiromer can reduce their absorption
What is patiromer sorbitex calcium used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Treatment of hyperkalaemia in adults.
Treatment of hyperkalaemia in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years.
How does patiromer sorbitex calcium work?
Patiromer stays mainly within the gastrointestinal tract. It exchanges calcium for potassium and binds free potassium in the bowel, increasing potassium loss in faeces and thereby lowering blood potassium.
patiromer sorbitex calcium preparations and strengths
Oral suspension
Route: Oral
Strengths: 8.4 g, 16.8 g
How to take patiromer sorbitex calcium
Prepare and take the suspension exactly as directed by the prescriber or pharmacist.
Add the prescribed sachet contents to part of the required water, stir, add the remaining water and stir thoroughly.
The powder does not dissolve and the mixture may feel grainy.
Drink the mixture within one hour. If powder remains, add more water, stir and drink immediately.
Supported alternatives to water include certain juices, milk, yoghurt, apple sauce and pudding; their potassium content must fit the person's dietary plan.
It may be taken with or without food.
Do not heat it, add it to hot food or liquid, or swallow the dry powder.
Keep it at least three hours apart from other oral medicines unless a clinician or pharmacist confirms that separation is unnecessary.
patiromer sorbitex calcium side effects
Common or expected effects
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Flatulence
- Low blood magnesium, usually identified through blood tests
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reaction, including hives, rash or swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue or throat
patiromer sorbitex calcium in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are unavailable, and the UK SmPC says patiromer is preferably avoided as a precaution. Anyone who is pregnant, planning pregnancy or becomes pregnant should have the need for treatment reviewed by the prescriber.
patiromer sorbitex calcium while breastfeeding
Because patiromer is negligibly absorbed, effects on a breastfed infant are not anticipated. The decision should still balance the benefits of breastfeeding and maternal treatment; individual assessment is particularly important for premature or unwell infants and when several medicines are used.
patiromer sorbitex calcium interactions
Patiromer can bind medicines in the gut and reduce their absorption. Unless specifically exempted, oral medicines should generally be separated by at least three hours.
Ciprofloxacin
Absorption is reduced when taken together; separating administration by three hours prevented the interaction in studies.
Levothyroxine
Absorption is reduced when taken together; separate administration by at least three hours.
Metformin
Absorption is reduced when taken together; separate administration by at least three hours.
Common questions about patiromer sorbitex calcium
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can patiromer sorbitex calcium treat a potassium emergency?
No. Its effect is delayed, so it must not replace emergency treatment for life-threatening hyperkalaemia.
Why must patiromer sorbitex calcium be separated from other oral medicines?
It can bind some medicines in the bowel and reduce their absorption. Most oral medicines should therefore be kept at least three hours apart unless a pharmacist or prescriber confirms otherwise.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.