Sodium polystyrene sulfonate Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 21, 2020.
For the Consumer
Applies to sodium polystyrene sulfonate: oral or rectal powder for suspension, oral or rectal suspension
Side effects include:
Gastric irritation, anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, fecal impaction, GI concretions (bezoars), nausea, vomiting, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, clinically important sodium retention.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to sodium polystyrene sulfonate: oral suspension, oral and rectal powder, oral and rectal suspension, rectal enema
Gastrointestinal
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Intestinal/colonic necrosis
Frequency not reported: Gastric irritation, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, fecal impaction, intestinal obstruction, other serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse reactions
Postmarketing reports: GI concretions/bezoars, ischemic colitis, GI tract ulceration, intestinal perforation, GI stenosis[Ref]
Nausea, vomiting, and constipation have occurred, especially with high doses. In clinical trials, fecal impaction occurred in geriatric patients given large doses; children have experienced impaction with rectal administration. Following oral administration, intestinal obstruction with aluminum hydroxide concretions and bezoar formation occurred in neonates. In postmarketing reports, gastrointestinal tract ulcerations, necrosis, and ischemic colitis may have resulted in intestinal perforation.[Ref]
Metabolic
Frequency not reported: Anorexia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, significant sodium retention[Ref]
Nervous system
Postmarketing reports: Grand mal seizure[Ref]
A grand mal seizure occurred in 1 patient with renal dysfunction and concomitant use of this drug and magnesium hydroxide.[Ref]
Respiratory
Postmarketing reports: Acute bronchitis, bronchopneumonia[Ref]
Bronchitis with/without pneumonia occurred after inhalation of particles of this drug.[Ref]
References
1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
3. "Product Information. Kayexalate (sodium polystyrene sulfonate)." Sanofi Winthrop Pharmaceuticals, New York, NY.
More about sodium polystyrene sulfonate
- During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
- Dosage Information
- Drug Interactions
- Pricing & Coupons
- En Español
- 7 Reviews
- Drug class: cation exchange resins
- FDA Alerts (2)
Consumer resources
- Patient Information
- Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Advanced Reading)
- Sodium polystyrene sulfonate Rectal (Advanced Reading)
- Other brands
- Kayexalate, Kionex, Kalexate
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.