Patiromer

Generic name: patiromer [ PAT-i-ROE-mer ]
Brand name: Veltassa
Dosage form: oral powder for reconstitution (16.8 g; 25.2 g; 8.4 g)
Drug class: Cation exchange resins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 14, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is patiromer?

Patiromer is used in adults to treat hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in your blood).

Patiromer may also be used in adults for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Patiromer side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Patiromer may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• low magnesium--dizziness, irregular heartbeats, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, cough or choking feeling.

Common side effects of patiromer may include:

• constipation, diarrhea;

• stomach discomfort, nausea; or

• gas.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Avoid taking other medicines by mouth within 3 hours before or 3 hours after you take patiromer.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use patiromer if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• bowel obstruction;

• bowel problems caused by recent surgery;

• trouble swallowing;

• severe constipation; or

• low levels of magnesium in your blood.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take patiromer?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Patiromer is usually taken once daily with or without food.

Patiromer oral powder must be mixed with water before you take it. Stir this mixture well and drink all of it right away. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away, repeat as needed.

Do not mix patiromer oral powder with hot liquid or hot food. Do not take the dry powder without mixing it with water.

You can mix patiromer oral powder with other beverages or soft food like apple sauce, yogurt, or pudding instead of water.

While taking patiromer, your blood will need to be tested often and your dose may be changed based on the results.

You may need to follow a special diet. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods you should eat or avoid.

Store unmixed oral powder in the refrigerator. Do not open a medicine packet until you are ready to mix a dose.

If stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat, you should use this medication within 3 months.

Patiromer dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Hyperkalemia:

Initial dose: 8.4 g orally once a day
-Monitor serum potassium level and adjust dose in 8.4 mg increments at 1-week intervals based on serum potassium level and desired target range
Maintenance dose: 8.4 to 25.2 mg/day
Maximum dose 25.2 g/day

Comments:
-This drug should not be used as an emergency treatment for life-threatening hyperkalemia because of its delayed onset of action.
-This drug should be administered at least 3 hours before or 3 hours after other oral medications.

Use: For the treatment of hyperkalemia.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose may cause low potassium (leg cramps, constipation, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling).

What should I avoid while taking patiromer?

Avoid taking other medicines within 3 hours before or 3 hours after you take patiromer. Patiromer can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth.

What other drugs will affect patiromer?

Patiromer can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth. If you take any of the following medications, take them 3 hours before or after you take patiromer:

• telmisartan;

• bisoprolol, carvedilol, nebivolol;

• ciprofloxacin;

• levothyroxine;

• metformin;

• mycophenolate;

• quinidine; or

• thiamine.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect patiromer. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2025 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.01.