IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.
SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE - POWDER
(SO-dee-um pah-lee-STYE-reen SULL-fon-ate)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Kayexalate, Kionex, Marlexate
USES: This medication is used to treat high levels of potassium in the body (hyperkalemia).
HOW TO USE: To prepare the oral liquid suspension, follow the directions provided by your doctor or pharmacist. Measure out the correct dose of the powder and mix with the correctly measured amount of water or syrup exactly as directed. In some cases, sorbitol liquid may be prescribed to mix with the medication powder instead of water or syrup. Sorbitol acts as a laxative to relieve constipation. The oral suspension should be used soon after mixing. Do not store for more than 24 hours.
This medication may also be given rectally as an enema. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific directions on how to prepare the medication and use the enema (including the use of cleansing enemas before and after the actual medication enema).
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
Do not heat the medication; heat may cause the medication to be less effective.
Do not use salt substitutes without consulting your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Unlikely but report promptly: swelling, muscle cramps, dizziness, mental or mood changes.
Very unlikely but report promptly: fast/slow/irregular pulse, muscle weakness, muscle spasm.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies, heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, swelling (edema).
This medication contains significant amounts of salt (sodium). If you are on a salt-restricted diet, or have any of the medical conditions noted above, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you use, especially of: calcium or aluminum or magnesium-containing antacids or laxatives, certain "water pills" (potassium sparing diuretics such as amiloride), digoxin.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store the powder at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. After mixing, use the oral liquid suspension within 24 hours. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.