Kayexalate (Sodium Polystyrene) Patient Information: Missed a Dose and What Should I Avoid at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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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...

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Kayexalate Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose

What happens if I miss a dose (Kayexalate)?

Since this medication is usually given in a hospital, it is not likely that you will miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose (Kayexalate)?

Tell your caregivers at once if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include confusion, irritability, trouble thinking or concentrating, muscle weakness, or trouble breathing.

What should I avoid while receiving sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate)?

Do not use salt substitutes or take potassium or calcium supplements unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid using antacids or laxatives without your doctor's advice. Antacids or laxatives can make sodium polystyrene sulfonate less effective or cause serious side effects.

Avoid eating or drinking anything that contains sorbitol (a fruit sugar often used as a sweetener in chewing gum, diet drinks, baked goods, or frozen desserts).

What other drugs will affect sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate)?

Before receiving this medicine, tell your doctor if you also use:

digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin);
lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid);
thyroxine; or
a diuretic (water pill) such as triamterene (Dyrenium, Maxzide, Dyazide), spironolactone (Aldactone), or amiloride (Midamor).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about sodium polystyrene.

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