Updates

Hyperkalaemia is a high level of potassium in the blood, classified in three levels: mild (serum potassium level of 5.5 mmol/litre to 5.9 mmol/litre), moderate (6.0 mmol/litre to 6.4 mmol/litre) or severe (6.5 mmol/litre and above). NICE has made detailed recommendations available as to when sodium zirconium cyclosilicate is an appropriate treatment. It is noted that it may also benefit adults with chronic kidney disease or heart failure in emergency and outpatient care.

Clinical evidence has shown that sodium zirconium cyclosilicate decreased serum potassium when used in outpatient care. However, there is no clinical evidence that it extends or improves quality of life. It may allow patients to stay on RAAS inhibitors for longer periods.

NICE has said that on the benefit of being able to stay on RAAS inhibitors, sodium zirconium cyclosilicate proves to be a cost-effective resource for the NHS. They recommend the drug for the treatment of confirmed persistent hyperkalaemia in outpatient care and for those who are not taking an optimised dose of RAAS inhibitors because of hyperkalaemia.