Potassium binders are medications that remove extra potassium from your body by attaching it to your poop. Healthcare providers commonly prescribe them when changes to your eating patterns and other medications don’t lower your potassium levels. Side effects include digestive problems that affect your stomach.
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Potassium binders are medications that help lower potassium levels in your body. They attach (bind) extra potassium in your body to the poop in your intestines. This helps prevent some of it from entering your blood. The extra potassium leaves your body when you use the bathroom.
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Potassium is a positively charged electrolyte. Other names for potassium binders are “K binders” or “K+ binders.” That’s because “K” is the symbol for potassium on the periodic table.
Your body needs potassium to function. It helps:
But for everything to work properly, the potassium needs to be within a specific range.
Your body gets potassium through the foods you eat. A typical potassium level for adults is between 3.5 and 5.0 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Your kidneys filter out extra potassium, which leaves your body in your pee.
If you have too much potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia), your kidneys can’t remove all of it, and it builds up. High potassium levels — such as those that are 6.5 mmol/L or higher — can make it difficult for your heart to function properly. This can cause potentially fatal abnormal heart rhythms.
There are many different types of potassium-lowering drugs, including:
Healthcare providers commonly prescribe one of these medications to treat hyperkalemia.
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Common potassium binder side effects include:
It’s also possible for some newer potassium binders to lower your magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia). This can cause your potassium levels to get too low (hypokalemia). Some of these medications can also cause swelling.
You should always talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new medication. They can tell you what side effects to look out for.
You generally take them by mouth (orally). They’re usually powders that you mix with water and then drink. If your healthcare provider prescribes a potassium binder, they’ll give you directions on:
Before taking a potassium binder, tell your healthcare about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications you’re taking. These include herbal supplements and vitamins. Combining these medications and potassium binders may affect how well they work.
Some potassium binders can only be taken for a short period, ranging from a few days to a few weeks. But you’re at a greater risk of hyperkalemia if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD) or take certain heart disease medications. So, you may need to take potassium binders long term.
They start to lower your potassium levels within 24 hours. For the best results, be sure to follow your healthcare provider’s directions carefully.
Contact your provider if potassium binder side effects bother you. You should also reach out if you have any severe symptoms of hyperkalemia. These include:
Potassium is essential for helping your body function properly. But too much of it can have serious effects on your muscles and heart.
If you can’t lower your potassium levels by switching up what you eat or taking other medications, your healthcare provider may prescribe a potassium binder. They’ll work with you to find the right type and give you directions on how to make them most effective. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
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