uses
What is sodium polystyrene sulfonate used for?Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is commonly used to treat high potassium levels (hyperkalemia).Sodium polystyrene sulfonate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.How does sodium polystyrene sulfonate work (mechanism of action)?Sodium polystyrene sulfonate works by binding to potassium in the intestines. When sodium polystyrene sulfonate binds to potassium, the potassium is not absorbed into the body, which helps to lower potassium levels.How is sodium polystyrene sulfonate supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesKalexateKayexalateKionexSPSDosage forms and strengths15 g/bottle of powder for suspension, for oral or rectal use454 g/bottle of powder for suspension, for oral or rectal use15 g/60 mL suspension, for oral or rectal useHow should I store sodium polystyrene sulfonate?Sodium polystyrene sulfonate should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not expose the medicine to heat.
how to use
liquid that is taken by mouth, given through a feeding tube, or inserted into the rectum
drug interactions
Does sodium polystyrene sulfonate interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between sodium polystyrene sulfonate and foods or drinks. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect sodium polystyrene sulfonate.Does sodium polystyrene sulfonate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate may affect the absorption of other medicines. Avoid taking sodium polystyrene sulfonate within three hours before or after taking other medicines. If you are not able to do this, speak with your healthcare provider about the best way to take your medicines.Make sure that you also discuss if you are using any of the following before taking sodium polystyrene sulfonate.An antacid or laxative containing calcium, aluminum, or magnesiumSorbitol, which is commonly used as a laxative or sweetenerA thyroid medicine, such as levothyroxine, which is used to raise thyroid hormone levels Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failureLithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditionsThis may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Always check with your healthcare provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of sodium polystyrene sulfonate?The most common side effects of sodium polystyrene sulfonate are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Loss of appetiteConstipationDiarrheaClumps of poop that get stuck in the intestine (fecal impaction)Clumps of food that get stuck in the stomach (bezoars)Swelling and damage to the intestine (ischemic colitis)Nausea or vomitingThere may be other side effects of sodium polystyrene sulfonate that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of sodium polystyrene sulfonate?While less common, the most serious side effects of sodium polystyrene sulfonate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using sodium polystyrene sulfonate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painIntestinal Necrosis. In rare cases, sodium polystyrene sulfonate can cause a condition called intestinal necrosis, where the cells in your intestine begin to die due to low blood supply. This condition can be serious and may lead to death. People who have had intestinal problems, kidney problems, dehydration, or surgery on their intestine may have a higher risk of this happening. The risk is also higher in people taking sorbitol, which is sometimes used as a laxative or sweetener. Stop using sodium polystyrene sulfonate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.Swollen stomachNausea or vomitingSevere stomach pain or crampingSevere constipation or diarrheaBlood in your stool (poop)Low Potassium Level (Hypokalemia). Sodium polystyrene sulfonate can cause a low potassium level, which can be serious and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider will check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a low potassium level.WeaknessUnusual tirednessMuscle cramps or twitchingConstipationFluid Retention (Edema). Each 15-gram dose of sodium polystyrene sulfonate contains 1,500 milligrams (mg) of sodium. For people who are sensitive to sodium or who are on a low-sodium diet, this may cause fluid retention and swelling. Fluid retention can cause serious issues in people with certain conditions, such as heart failure or kidney problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.Chest painIrregular heartbeatShortness of breathStretched or shiny skinSwollen body parts, such as the belly or ankles
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much sodium polystyrene sulfonate?If you or someone else has used too much sodium polystyrene sulfonate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of sodium polystyrene sulfonate?If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use sodium polystyrene sulfonate?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use sodium polystyrene sulfonate.KalexateKayexalateKionexSodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS)Polystyrene sulfonate resinsAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific sodium polystyrene sulfonate products they stock.Blocked Intestine. If you have a partially- or fully-blocked intestine, also known as a bowel obstruction, you should not use sodium polystyrene sulfonate.Newborns. Certain newborns, including premature newborns and newborns who have conditions that cause slowed movement through the intestines, should not use sodium polystyrene sulfonate.What should I know about sodium polystyrene sulfonate before using it?Do not use sodium polystyrene sulfonate unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.Do not share sodium polystyrene sulfonate with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep sodium polystyrene sulfonate out of the reach of children.Sodium polystyrene sulfonate may affect the absorption of other medicines. See the Interactions section for more information.Some bottles of sodium polystyrene sulfonate contain a liquid that should be shaken well before each dose. Some bottles of this medicine contain a powder that must be mixed with water or syrup and then shaken well before use. Once the powder is mixed, it must be used within 24 hours. Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist or other healthcare provider if you are unsure how to prepare your dose of sodium polystyrene sulfonate.Each 15-gram dose of sodium polystyrene sulfonate contains 1,500 mg of sodium. If you are sensitive to sodium or are on a low-sodium diet, you may need to make changes to your diet while taking sodium polystyrene sulfonate.If you will be drinking sodium polystyrene sulfonate, you should be sitting up or standing when you take a dose. This will help to prevent the medicine from entering your lungs. Let your healthcare provider know if you have trouble swallowing the full dose of your medicine. If you will be giving this medicine through a feeding tube or as an enema into the rectum, make sure that you or a caregiver has all of the needed supplies and understands how to properly prepare and give a dose. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.Keep all appointments, including for blood work, while you are taking sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate may cause changes to the levels of certain minerals in your body, called electrolytes. What should I tell my healthcare provider before using sodium polystyrene sulfonate?Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if sodium polystyrene sulfonate is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Gastroparesis. Let your healthcare provider know if you have gastroparesis, which is a condition where food stays in your stomach longer than it should. You may need to take special precautions when taking this medicine. Swallowing Problems. Let your healthcare provider know if you have any trouble swallowing or if you have a poor gag reflex. You may need to take special precautions when taking this medicine. Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.A disorder that causes the intestines to move slowly (motility disorder)ConstipationDehydrationHistory of fluid retention and swelling (edema)Kidney problemsHigh or low electrolyte levels (including potassium, magnesium, and calcium)Recent surgeryInflammatory bowel disease (IBD)Bowel obstructionOther intestine problems, including past surgeriesOther Medicines and Supplements. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using sodium polystyrene sulfonate, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Pregnancy. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is not absorbed by the body and is not expected to reach the baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take sodium polystyrene sulfonate while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.Breastfeeding. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is not absorbed by the body and is not expected to pass into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take sodium polystyrene sulfonate while breastfeeding.
about
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is used to treat high potassium levels. It works by binding to potassium in the gut so that it does not get absorbed into the body. The most common side effects are constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Serious side effects are rare but include fluid retention and damage to the intestines. This medicine can be taken by mouth, through a feeding tube, or as an enema. Speak with your healthcare provider about how to properly prepare and use a dose of this medicine.