Kayexalate (Sodium Polystyrene) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

Pill Identifier Search

February 10, 2012

Kayexalate

Hyperkalemia (High Blood Potassium) »

What is hyperkalemia?

Hyperkalemia is common; it is diagnosed in up to 8% of hospitalized patients in the U.S. Fortunately, most patients have mild hyperkalemia (which is usually well tolerated). However, any condition causing even mild hyperkalemia should be treated to prevent progression into more severe hyperkalemia. Extremely high levels of potassium in the blood (severe hyperkalemia) can lead to cardiac arrest and death. When not recognized and treated properly, severe hyperkalemia results in a mortality rate of about 67%.

Technically, hyperkalemia means an abnormally elevated level of potassium in the blood. The normal potassium level in the blood is 3.5-5.0 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Potassium levels between 5.1 mEq/L to 6.0 mEq/L reflect mild hyperkalemia. Potassium levels of 6.1 mEq/L to 7.0 mEq/L are moderate hyperkalemia, and levels above 7 mEq/L are severe hyperkalemia.

How does hyperkalemia affect t...

Read the Hyperkalemia (High Blood Potassium) article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
next »

Kayexalate User Reviews >>

Kayexalate

Adult Skin Problems Slideshow Pictures

How Smoking Affects Your Looks Slideshow Pictures

Weight Gain Shockers Slideshow

font size

Kayexalate®
(sodium polystyrene sulfonate USP) Cation-Exchange Resin

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Kayexalate, brand of sodium polystyrene sulfonate is a benzene, diethenyl-polymer, with ethenylbenzene, sulfonated, sodium salt and has the following structural formula:

Kayexalate®
(sodium polystyrene sulfonate) Structural Formula Illustration

The drug is a cream to light brown finely ground, powdered form of sodium polystyrene sulfonate, a cation-exchange resin prepared in the sodium phase with an in vitro exchange capacity of approximately 3.1 mEq (in vivo approximately 1 mEq) of potassium per gram. The sodium content is approximately 100 mg (4.1 mEq) per gram of the drug. It can be administered orally or in an enema.

What are the possible side effects of sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate, Kionex)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have any of these serious side effects:

pain or fluttering in your chest;
uneven heartbeats;
feeling irritable or confused;
increased thirst or urination;
severe muscle weakness;
inability to move your muscles;
black, bloody, or...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Kayexalate »

What are the precautions when taking sodium polystyrene (Kayexalate)?

Before using sodium polystyrene sulfonate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: blockage of the stomach/intestines, low level of potassium in the blood.

This medication contains a large amount of salt (sodium). If you have any of these conditions listed below, follow your doctor's instructions for limiting the amount of sodium in your diet. Do not use salt substitutes that contain potassium without asking your doctor...

Read All Potential Precautions of Kayexalate »

Last reviewed on RxList: 2/28/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.