Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate oral suspension

What is this medication?

SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE (SOE dee um pol ee STYE reen SUHL fuh neyt) takes potassium out of the body by binding to it in the intestines. It is used to treat too much potassium in the body.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Kionex, SPS

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blockage in your bowel
• constipation
• dry hard stool that will not pass out of your rectum (impaction)
• heart failure
• high blood pressure
• low levels of calcium or potassium in the blood
• low sodium diet
• problems with your bowels after surgery
• an unusual or allergic reaction to sodium polystyrene, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is usually given in a hospital or clinic setting. It may be given by mouth or rectally. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take other oral medicines 3 hours before or 3 hours after this medicine. If you have a condition that delays emptying of food from your stomach to your intestine, take other oral medicines 6 hours before or 6 hours after this medicine. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• sorbitol

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• antacids with aluminum or magnesium
• laxatives with aluminum or magnesium
• lithium
• thyroxine

Take other oral medicines 3 hours before or 3 hours after this medicine, to avoid decreasing their absorption. If you have a condition that delays emptying of food from your stomach to your intestine, take other oral medicines 6 hours before or 6 hours after this medicine.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

See your doctor for regular check ups. You will need important blood work and other testing done while you are taking this medicine.

You may need to be on a special diet while you are taking this medicine. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care professional.

Talk to your doctor about what to do if you are constipated.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• black or tar-like stool
• rectal or lower stomach pain
• signs and symptoms of low magnesium like muscle cramps, pain, or weakness; tremors; seizures; or fast, irregular heartbeat
• signs and symptoms of low potassium like muscle cramps or muscle pain; chest pain; dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; palpitations; breathing problems; or fast, irregular heartbeat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation
• diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• upset stomach
• vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep in original container. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. If stored in another container, store in the refrigerator and throw away after 14 days.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.