How to Use Lokelma 5 g Pack
Mix the entire contents of one 5 g packet with approximately 3 tablespoons of water, stir well, and drink immediately; if powder remains, add more water and repeat until the glass is empty. 1
Preparation Instructions
- Empty the entire packet into a drinking glass
- Add approximately 3 tablespoons of water (or more if desired)
- Stir well and drink immediately
- If powder remains in the glass, add water again, stir, and drink
- Repeat this process until no powder remains to ensure you receive the full dose 1
Dosing Context
The 5 g dose is used in different clinical scenarios:
For Chronic Hyperkalemia (Not on Dialysis)
- Initial treatment: 10 g three times daily for up to 48 hours (requires two 5 g packets per dose) 1
- Maintenance: After initial correction, typical maintenance is 10 g once daily, but can be adjusted to 5 g once daily or even 5 g every other day based on potassium monitoring 1
For Patients on Hemodialysis
- Starting dose: 5 g once daily on non-dialysis days only 1
- May be increased to 10 g if pre-dialysis potassium is >6.5 mEq/L 1
Critical Timing with Other Medications
Take other oral medications at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after Lokelma to avoid drug interactions, as Lokelma can temporarily increase gastric pH and affect absorption of pH-dependent medications 1. This spacing is essential for most medications, though not required for drugs without pH-dependent solubility.
Monitoring Requirements
- Check serum potassium regularly during treatment
- Adjust dose in 5 g increments at intervals of 1 week or longer based on potassium levels 1
- Watch for signs of edema, particularly if you have heart failure or kidney disease, as each 5 g contains approximately 400 mg of sodium 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don't skip the stirring step - the powder must be fully suspended
- Don't take with food or other liquids - use water only for preparation
- Don't forget medication spacing - the 2-hour rule is critical for drug efficacy
- Don't use in severe constipation or bowel obstruction - Lokelma has not been studied in these conditions 1