Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Powder
Generic name: Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Powder [ SOE-dee-um-POL-ee-STYE-reen-SUL-foe-nate ]
Brand names: Kayexalate, Kionex
Drug class: Cation exchange resins
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 2, 2024.
Uses of Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Powder:
- It is used to treat high potassium levels.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Powder?
For all patients taking sodium polystyrene sulfonate powder:
- If you have an allergy to sodium polystyrene sulfonate or any other part of sodium polystyrene sulfonate powder.
- If you are allergic to sodium polystyrene sulfonate powder; any part of sodium polystyrene sulfonate powder; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have any of these health problems: Constipation, low potassium levels, or if you have not had a bowel movement after surgery.
- If you have ever had any of these health problems: Bowel block, bowel disease, bowel surgery, not able to have a bowel movement, or long-term constipation.
- If you are taking any of these drugs: Sorbitol or a laxative that has magnesium in it.
Children:
- If your child is a newborn with bowel function that is not normal.
All oral products:
- If your child is a premature baby or is a newborn. Do not give sodium polystyrene sulfonate powder to a premature baby or a newborn.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with sodium polystyrene sulfonate powder.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take sodium polystyrene sulfonate powder with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Powder?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take sodium polystyrene sulfonate powder. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- If you are on a low-salt diet (sodium polystyrene sulfonate powder has salt), talk with your doctor.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- If you are taking a salt substitute that has potassium in it, a potassium-sparing diuretic, or a potassium product, talk with your doctor.
- This medicine may prevent other drugs taken by mouth from getting into the body. If you take other drugs by mouth, you may need to take them at some other time than sodium polystyrene sulfonate powder. Talk with your doctor.
- Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using sodium polystyrene sulfonate powder while you are pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
How is this medicine (Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Powder) best taken?
Use sodium polystyrene sulfonate powder as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Most of the time, sodium polystyrene sulfonate powder will be given in a doctor's office.
- Your doctor may teach you how to use.
- Follow how to use carefully.
- It may be given by mouth or given rectally.
- Mix powder with water or syrup. Ask the doctor how much liquid you need to use. Shake or mix well.
- When taking by mouth, take while sitting up.
- Do not heat or microwave.
- Use the solution within 24 hours.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- If you take sodium polystyrene sulfonate powder on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- Many times sodium polystyrene sulfonate powder is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.
Related/similar drugs
sodium bicarbonate, Lokelma, insulin regular, Humulin R, Veltassa, Kayexalate
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of electrolyte problems like mood changes, confusion, muscle pain or weakness, a heartbeat that does not feel normal, seizures, not hungry, or very bad upset stomach or throwing up.
- Severe diarrhea.
- Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
- Very bad headache.
- Very bad bowel problems like bleeding, swelling, and tearing have happened with sodium polystyrene sulfonate powder. Sometimes, this has been deadly. Most people who had these problems were also taking sorbitol. The chance of these problems may be raised if you have low blood volume, kidney disease, or if you have ever had bowel disease or surgery. Call your doctor right away if you have black, tarry, or bloody stools; constipation; stomach pain; swelling of the stomach; or throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds.
What are some other side effects of Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Powder?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Not hungry.
- Diarrhea.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Powder?
- Store at room temperature.
- Protect from heat.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about sodium polystyrene sulfonate powder, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
More about sodium polystyrene sulfonate
- Check interactions
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- Reviews (11)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: cation exchange resins
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
- Sodium polystyrene sulfonate drug information
- Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Oral) (Advanced Reading)
- Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Rectal) (Advanced Reading)
- Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Suspension
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Professional resources
- Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate monograph
- Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate (FDA)
- Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Oral Powder (FDA)
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Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.