Managing Hyperkalemia: Stepping Into a New Frontier. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pham, Antony Q.; Sexton, Jessica; Wimer, Dexter; Rana, Isha; Nguyen, Timothy
• Other Names: Millares-Sipin Catherine A. guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of pharmacy practice. Volume 30:Number 5(2017:Oct.)
• Page Start: 557
• Page End: 561
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: hyperkalemia -- patiromer -- potassium -- electrolytes -- sodium zirconium cyclosilicate; Pharmacy -- Periodicals; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1177/0897190016665540
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0897-1900

Abstract

Maintaining potassium balance in the body is essential for cellular function. Even a slight increase in normal serum potassium levels (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) can interfere with metabolism, electrical action potentials, and cellular processes. Hyperkalemia is commonly seen in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and in patients on renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS), diuretics, and hemodialysis are currently available methods for removing potassium from the body; however, these options have their limitations. Patiromer (Veltassa) and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate are 2 new therapeutic options that can potentially lead a new frontier in the management of hyperkalemia. This article will review these novel treatments.