Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Powder for Suspension

What is this medication?

SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE (SOE dee um pol ee STYE reen SUHL fuh neyt) treats high potassium levels in your body. It works by lowering the amount of potassium your body absorbs from food. It belongs to a group of medications called potassium binders.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Kalexate, Kayexalate, Kionex, Marlexate

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 disease
• 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 medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is usually given in a hospital or clinic setting. It may be given by mouth or rectally. Follow the directions on the prescription label. The powder must be mixed with water, syrup, or other liquid before using. Use mixture within 24 hours. Take other oral medications 3 hours before or 3 hours after this medication. If you have a condition that delays emptying of food from your stomach to your intestine, take other oral medications 6 hours before or 6 hours after this medication. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication 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 medication with any of the following:

• Sorbitol

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Antacids with aluminum or magnesium
• Laxatives with aluminum or magnesium
• Lithium
• Thyroxine

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

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 care team for regular check-ups. You will need important blood work and other testing done while you are taking this medication.

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

Talk to your care team 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 care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bowel blockage—stomach cramping, unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas, loss of appetite, vomiting
• Low potassium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation
• Stomach bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds

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

• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• 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 and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Use any mixture in 24 hours or throw it away. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

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.