How does actually work?

The conventional method to decreasing potassium levels is by avoiding foods such as tomatoes, bananas and other fruits that are packed with this mineral. If this change in diet doesn’t bring down the potassium content, patients are usually given the drug sodium polystyrene (Kayexalate) that works by binding potassium in the lower intestine. However, the potency of the binding power is doubtful. According to recent studies, Patiromer, the new drug on the market, has shown positive outcome in reducing potassium levels when taken regularly for a month. This result have held positive for a year. Patiromer is administered orally in powder form, by mixing with water and taking twice a day.

How effective is Patiromer?

Patiromer has proven to be highly efficient in binding potassium throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract, which successfully removes it from the system, as explained by Dr. Bakris. However, more research needs to be conducted in order to find out if outcomes continue beyond lessening potassium levels. Dr. Wolfgang Winkelmayer, chair of nephrology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, stated that post-marketing studies will be done once the drug is approved by the FDA, to explore its effects in reducing the need for dialysis and reducing risks of heart failure.

As of 21 Oct 2015, the drug has been approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

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