Type of medicine: potassium-removing resin (treats high levels of potassium in the blood); antidote
Generic and brand names: sodium polystyrene sulfonate, oral; sodium polystyrene sulfonate, rectal; Kayexalate; Kionex; Marlexate; SPS Suspension
This medicine is taken by mouth, or given as an enema into the rectum, to remove excess potassium from the body.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your provider if you are on a sodium-restricted diet, use a salt substitute that contains potassium, or take a potassium supplement.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take the medicine exactly as prescribed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed.
This medicine comes in liquid and powder forms. If you have the liquid form of this medicine, shake it well before using.
If you have the powder form, mix it with water or syrup before taking by mouth. The medicine may also be given rectally by enema. Enemas are usually given in a hospital. This medicine may also be given through a tube through your nose to your stomach.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: confusion, irritability, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing.
Be sure you know how to take this medicine. If any instructions are not clear to you, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain.
This medicine may lead to constipation. Do not take antacids or laxatives while taking this medicine. If you become constipated, ask your healthcare provider what product to use to relieve the constipation.
Do not use salt substitutes or take potassium supplements without first talking with your healthcare provider.
You need to have blood tests to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for tests.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Constipation, confusion, muscle weakness, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, breathing problems, unable to move your muscles, unusual swelling, increased thirst, lower stomach pain.
Other: Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can interfere with the way the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not take antacids or laxatives containing magnesium or aluminum such as Milk of Magnesia, Amphojel, AlternaGEL, Maalox, Mylanta while you are taking this medicine. Contact your healthcare provider if constipation or heartburn becomes a problem.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light. After you have mixed the powder, you must use it within 24 hours or throw it away.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
