Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (By mouth)

Introduction

Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate (SOE-dee-um pol-ee-STYE-reen SUL-foe-nate)

Treats hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in the blood).

Brand Name(s)

Kionex, Kayexalate

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine comes as a liquid suspension and as a powder that is mixed with water or syrup. If you or your child are not able to swallow the liquid, the medicine can be put in the stomach with a special tube. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about this.
• Your doctor will tell you how to mix the powder with water or syrup. Each dose of the powder must be mixed with a liquid right before you take it. Stir the powder mixture to dissolve the medicine. Do not store the liquid mixture to take later. The liquid must be used within 24 hours after it is mixed.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake the bottle of medicine well just before taking each dose.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not heat this medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Bloody, black, or tarry stools.
• Chest pain, cough, or shortness of breath.
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, or vomiting.
• Fast or uneven heartbeat.
• Muscle cramps in your hands, arms, feet, legs, or face.
• Muscle spasms or twitching.
• Seizures.
• Severe constipation or stomach pain.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Trouble thinking clearly, or feeling confused or grouchy.
• Unusual weakness.
• Vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or upset stomach.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using aluminum or magnesium-containing antacids or laxatives, such as aluminum carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, milk of magnesia, Basalgel®, Gaviscon®, Maalox®, or Rolaids®. Tell your doctor if you are also using digoxin (Digitek®, Lanoxin®), digitoxin, lithium (Eskalith®, Lithobid®), sorbitol, or thyroxine (Levoxyl®, Synthroid®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you or your child have heart rhythm problems (such as arrhythmia, QT prolongation), congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, severe swelling or bloating, kidney disease, low calcium in the blood, low magnesium in the blood, or stomach or bowel problems (such as bleeding, constipation, perforation). Tell your doctor if you are on a special low-salt (low-sodium) diet.
• Do not use this medicine together with a liquid called sorbitol. Sorbitol is a medicine used for constipation. If the 2 medicines are used together, they may cause a serious stomach or bowel problem called intestinal necrosis. This is more likely to occur if you have a history of bowel disease, bowel surgery, low blood volume, or kidney problems. Tell your doctor right away if you or your child have severe constipation; severe stomach pain; bloody, black, or tarry stools; or vomit blood or a material that looks like coffee grounds.
• Hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood) may occur while you are using this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have more than one of the following symptoms: confusion, dry mouth, increased thirst, irregular heartbeat, irritability, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, or shortness of breath.
• This medicine may cause alkalosis, which is a change in the chemical balance of your blood. This is more likely to occur if you use antacids or laxatives that contain aluminum or magnesium together with this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you or your child have changes in mental alertness or speech; diarrhea; a fast or slow heartbeat; a lack or loss of strength; mood or mental changes; muscle cramps; overactive reflexes; slurred speech; trouble with speaking; or vomiting.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.