▼Patiromer for the management of hyperkalaemia

Abstract

Hyperkalaemia is a potentially life-threatening condition, in which there is an abnormally high concentration of potassium ions in the blood.1,2 Cation-exchange resins (e.g. calcium or sodium polystyrene sulfonate) that bind potassium in the gastrointestinal tract to increase faecal elimination have been used as part of the management of hyperkalaemia but they have some serious adverse effects, including potentially fatal gastrointestinal necrosis.3,4 Patiromer (▼Veltassa – Vifor Fresenius) is a cation-exchange polymer that is licensed for the treatment of hyperkalaemia in adults and, unlike other exchange resins, its licence is not restricted to people with anuria, severe oliguria or those requiring or undergoing dialysis.5,6 Here, we review the evidence for the efficacy and safety of patiromer and consider its place in the management of hyperkalaemia.