Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate

Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate is used to treat high blood potassium. Onset of effects occurs in one to six hours. == Mechanism of action ==

s. ZS-9 is a zirconium silicate. Zirconium silicates have been extensively used in medical applications because of their proven safety. 11 zirconium silicates were screened by an iterative optimization process. ZS-9 selectively captures potassium ions, presumably by mimicking the actions of physiologic potassium channels. ZS-9 is an inorganic cation exchanger crystalline with a high capacity to entrap monovalent cations, specifically potassium and ammonium ions, in the GI tract. ZS-9 is one of the least potent pharmaceuticals; the typical dose is 10g. Background Hyperkalemia is rare among those who are otherwise healthy. Among those who are in hospital, rates are between 1% and 2.5%. Common causes include kidney failure, hypoaldosteronism, and rhabdomyolysis. A number of medications can also cause high blood potassium including spironolactone, NSAIDs, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. However, if hyperkalemia causes any ECG change it is considered a medical emergency Hyperkalemia, particularly if severe, is a marker for an increased risk of death. However, there is disagreement regarding whether a modestly elevated levels directly causes problems. One viewpoint is that mild to moderate hyperkalemia is a secondary effect that denotes underlying medical problems. Accordingly, these problems are both proximate and ultimate causes of death, ==History==

In the United States, regulatory approval of ZS-9 was rejected by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2016, due to issues associated with manufacturing. On 18 May 2018, the FDA approved sodium zirconium cyclosilicate for treatment of adults with hyperkalemia. It was first practically synthesized by UOP in the late 1990s. The recognition of the unique ion exchange properties and the potential use to remove toxins from the body were identified shortly thereafter . == Research ==

One review found a decrease in potassium of 0.17 mEq/L at one hour and 0.67 mEq/L at 48 hours. It appears effective in people with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and heart failure. Use has been studied for up to a year. == References ==