Information for the public
Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (Lokelma) is available on the NHS. It is a possible treatment for hyperkalaemia in adults, if used for:
- acute life-threatening hyperkalaemia in emergency care, or
- persistent hyperkalaemia in people with chronic kidney disease stage 3b to 5 or heart failure, if they
- have a confirmed serum potassium level of at least 5.5 mmol per litre, and
- because of hyperkalaemia, are not taking an optimised dosage of a renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitor, and
- are not on dialysis.
An optimised dosage of a medicine aims for the most clinical benefit while keeping side effects tolerable.
If you are not eligible for sodium zirconium cyclosilicate but are already having it, you should be able to continue until you and your healthcare professional decide when best to stop.
Is this treatment right for me?
Your healthcare professionals should give you clear information, talk with you about your options and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. See our webpage on shared decision making.
Questions to think about
- How well does it work compared with other treatments?
- What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
- How will the treatment affect my day-to-day life?
- What happens if the treatment does not work?
- What happens if I do not want to have treatment? Are there other treatments available?
Information and support
These organisations can give you advice and support:
- Kidney Research UK, 0300303 1100
- National Kidney Federation, 0800 169 0936
You can also get support from your local Healthwatch.
NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-9449-6
This page was last updated: