What are potassium binder tablets?
Potassium binder is a type of medication used to prevent kidney stones from forming. A potassium binder binds with calcium or magnesium ions in your urine so they cannot form crystals. These crystals block the flow of urine through the kidneys and cause pain when passing through them. If you have kidney stones, you will need to take potassium bender pills every day until they pass out of your body.
How do potassium binder tablets work?
The main mechanism of action of potassium binder is its ability to bind calcium or magnesium ions in your urine. When these ions come into contact with each other, they become unstable and break down into smaller pieces. This causes the formation of a stone if not removed immediately. Your doctor may prescribe potassium bender pills because it helps reduce the risk of kidney stones by preventing their formation.
Is there any risk of heart attack or stroke while taking potassium bender?
There is no evidence that using potassium bender increases the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. However, some studies suggest that potassium benders may increase blood pressure. Therefore, you should monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment with this medication.
Is there any risk of stomach irritation when taking potassium bender?
Some patients have reported mild stomach irritation while taking this medication. If you experience stomach pain or nausea, contact your health care provider immediately.
Is there any risk of diarrhea while taking potassium bender?
There is a possibility of diarrhea while taking this medication. Your health care provider may prescribe medication to prevent diarrhea. In case of severe diarrhea, your doctor may stop the potassium bender tablets.
Sources & references used in this article:
New potassium binders reduce the risk of hyperkalaemia in patients treated with renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors by M Tamargo, J Tamargo – 2018 – academic.oup.com
Potassium binders for the prevention of hyperkalaemia in heart failure patients: implementation issues and future developments by F Zannad, JP Ferreira, B Pitt – European Heart Journal …, 2019 – academic.oup.com
New potassium binders: A call to test their efficacy and safety in dialysis patients by PI Georgianos, PA Sarafidis – American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 2016 – ajkd.org
Let Them Eat Healthy: Can Emerging Potassium Binders Help Overcome Dietary Potassium Restrictions in Chronic Kidney Disease? by EJ Sussman, B Singh, D Clegg, BF Palmer… – Journal of Renal …, 2020 – Elsevier
