Kayexalate (Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate)
Kayexalate (Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate)
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate binds itself to potassium in your digestive tract. This helps prevent your body from absorbing too much potassium.
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is used to treat high levels of potassium in the blood, also called hyperkalemia.
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate works differently from other medicinesbecause it passes into your intestines without being absorbed into your blood stream.
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
warnings
What is the most important information I should know aboutKayexalate (Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate)?
You should not use sodium polystyrene sulfonate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- low potassium levels (hypokalemia); or
- a bowel obstruction.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart disease or high blood pressure;
- a weak immune system caused using certain medicine;
- severe constipation or other bowel problems;
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
- an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium in your blood);
- fluid retention;
- severe burns;
- a bowel disorder, or surgery on your intestines;
- 如果你脱水;或
- if you are on a low-salt diet.
Because sodium polystyrene sulfonate is not absorbed into the bloodstream, this medicine is not expected to be harmful during pregnancy or while nursing a baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Side Effects
What are the side effects ofKayexalate (Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate)?
Get emergency medical help if you havesigns of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using sodium polystyrene sulfonate and call your doctor at once if you have:
- stomach pain, rectal pain;
- severe constipation, severe stomach pain, bloating;
- fever, chills, vomiting;
- confusion, thinking problems, feeling irritable;
- low potassium--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling;
- low calcium levels--muscle spasms or contractions, numbness or tingly feeling (around your mouth, or in your fingers and toes); or
- signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, vomiting;
- diarrhea, constipation; or
- loss of appetite.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I takeKayexalate (Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate)if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Because sodium polystyrene sulfonate is not absorbed into the bloodstream, this medicine is not expected to be harmful during pregnancy or while nursing a baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while takingKayexalate (Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate)?
Avoid using antacids or laxatives without your doctor's advice. Antacids or laxatives can make sodium polystyrene sulfonate less effective, or cause serious side effects.
Do not use potassium supplements, calcium supplements, or salt substitutes while you are taking sodium polystyrene sulfonate, unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid eating or drinking anything that contains sorbitol (a fruit sugar often used as a sweetener in chewing gum, diet drinks, baked goods, or frozen desserts).
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to takeKayexalate (Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate)?
UseKayexalate (Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate)exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate can be given as a liquid by mouth, through a stomach feeding tube, or as a rectal enema.
不给这种药口服(口服)newborn baby. Do not use the medicine orally or rectally in a baby who has slow digestion caused by surgery or by using other medicines.
To give this medicine orally:Mix the sodium polystyrene sulfonate powder with water, or with honey or jam to make it taste better. Avoid inhaling the oral powder while you are preparing a dose.
Do not mix the powder with any juice or other liquid that contains potassium, such as orange juice.
Therectal enemaform of this medicine is usually given by a healthcare professional. The enema will be inserted slowly while you are lying down. You may need to hold in the enema for up to several hours. The sodium polystyrene sulfonate enema is usually followed with a second cleansing enema.
You will need frequent medical tests to help your doctor determine how long to treat you with sodium polystyrene sulfonate.
Keep using this medicine even if you feel fine. Hyperkalemia often has no symptoms that you will notice until your potassium levels are very low.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.Do notuse two doses at one time.