Potassium is essential for the healthy functioning of our body. Potassium is needed for the functioning of the heart, the nervous system, and the muscles. But like anything, too much of it can be dangerous. Especially for someone with certain kidney problems, there is a risk of high potassium levels in the body. So, has your doctor prescribed you a medicine to control your potassium levels? Today we are talking about one such medicine, `Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate`.
Simply put, what is this medicine?
This medicine is a medicine that helps reduce high potassium levels in your body. It is commonly found in our market under the brand name `Lokelma`.
Think of it like the potassium we absorb from the food we eat. What this medicine does is it reduces the absorption of potassium from food in your intestines. Like a magnet, this medicine grabs the excess potassium in your intestines and removes it from your body with your stool. We call this class of medicines 'potassium binders' .
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing this medication, your doctor should take a complete medical history of you. Be sure to tell them about any of the following conditions:
| Your situation | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Intestinal obstruction or severe constipation | This medicine can sometimes cause constipation. If you already have that problem, it can make it worse. |
| Heart failure | This medicine contains sodium. It is not advisable for someone with heart problems to have too much sodium in their body. |
| Kidney disease | This medicine is often prescribed for kidney patients, but the doctor needs to be fully aware of your kidney function. |
| If you follow a low-salt diet | Since the medicine contains sodium, your doctor should determine if this is compatible with your diet. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | It is very important to know if you are allergic to this medicine or any of its ingredients. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | In such cases, you need to be extra careful when using any medication. Therefore, it is essential to inform your doctor. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
The most important thing when using this medicine is to follow the doctor's instructions exactly .
- It usually comes in powder form. You have to dissolve it in water and drink it.
- Take it daily, as prescribed, at the time your doctor tells you.
- Even if you feel better, don't stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to.
Definitely remember this!
If you are taking other oral medications, take them 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking this medicine. Otherwise, this medicine may reduce the absorption of other medications into your body.
What do you do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, do not panic. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Things to be careful about while taking the medicine
- Regular medical checkups: Your doctor will ask you to have regular blood tests to check whether your potassium levels are well controlled or too low. So don't skip these tests.
- Diet: You may need to follow a special diet while taking this medication. Talk to your doctor about whether you should limit foods high in potassium (such as bananas and oranges).
- Symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, tell your doctor right away.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Things to tell your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Low potassium levels | Muscle cramps or pain, feeling unusually tired, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation. |
| 🙂 Things that are usually not dangerous, but should be mentioned to the doctor if they persist | |
| Constipation | Difficulty going to the toilet. |
| Swelling | Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet (this may be due to the sodium in the medicine). |
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep it safely out of the reach of children and pets .
- A temperature between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (59 and 86 Fahrenheit) is best.
- Do not use expired medications. Dispose of them properly.
- When disposing of expired medications, ask your doctor if you are unsure how to do it. If you are throwing them in the trash, it is safer to take the medication out of the package, mix it with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, and seal it tightly in a bag.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine is for you only. Never give your medicine to others.
- Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
- If you are taking other medications, be sure to follow the rule of taking this medication 2 hours before or 2 hours after.
- Don't skip any scheduled blood tests. They are essential for monitoring your potassium levels.
- If a severe side effect occurs (especially allergic symptoms), seek medical advice immediately.
- If you have any concerns about the medication, don't be afraid to discuss it with your doctor.
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