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LOKELMA® (sodium zirconium cyclosilicate) is indicated for the treatment of hyperkalaemia in adult patients.
In vitro, LOKELMA is a highly selective potassium (K+) binder for the treatment of hyperkalaemia.1,2
LOKELMA’s mechanism of action reduces potassium levels by facilitating its elimination through faeces, although LOKELMA works throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The distinctive crystal lattice configuration of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate selectively binds potassium ions, even in the presence of other cations, exchanging them for sodium and hydrogen ions.3
In vitro, LOKELMA works by effectively by capturing potassium throughout the GI tract. This process reduces the concentration of free potassium in the GI lumen.1-3
Consequently, this leads to decreased serum potassium levels and increased faecal potassium excretion, preventing its absorption into the bloodstream and ultimately resolving hyperkalaemia.
Due to LOKELMA’s mechanism of action, normokalaemia can be maintained if treatment is sustained. LOKELMA is generally well tolerated with limited drug-drug interactions and it can be used alongside oral medications that do not exhibit pH-dependent bioavailability.
Watch this video to learn about the mechanism of action of LOKELMA.
LOKELMA’s efficacy is underpinned by its key molecular features, contributing to its selective potassium binding and GI excretion.1-3
Importantly, LOKELMA has no effect on urinary sodium excretion, or serum calcium or magnesium concentrations.1,2
The sodium zirconium cyclosilicate structure consists of zirconium and silicon atoms which are respectively octahedrally and tetrahedrally coordinated with oxygen. Oxygen atoms act as bridges between these complexes to form a well-ordered cubic structure with microporous that effectively mimics the highly selective nature of physiologic K+ channels in the body. The pore opening, illustrated on the right-hand side, is composed of an asymmetrical seven-member ring. On average, the size of the sodium zirconium cyclosilicate pore opening was estimated to be ∼3 Å.3
Adapted from Stavros et al. 2014.3
Images are illustrative only. Å is a metric unit of length equal to 10-10 m (0.1 nanometre).
If you have any questions about LOKELMA or would like to speak to an
AstraZeneca representative, please contact us
Å, angstrom; GI, gastrointestinal; K+, potassium.
GB-75727 | DOP: April 2026
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GB-74216| DOP : February 2026
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