Kayexalate (Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate)

Usual dose:

KAYEXALATE can be given by mouth or in the rectum.

The amount of KAYEXALATE you need to take will depend upon the amount of potassium in your blood.

Once the mixture has been prepared, it should be used straight away. If it needs to be stored, it should be stored for no longer than 24 hours. Do not heat KAYEXALATE.

Your doctor will decide exactly how much KAYEXALATE you need to take. The usual doses are:

Overdose:

Taking too much KAYEXALATE may reduce your potassium in your blood below the normal level. If you take too much of this medication, you may feel irritable, confused, have muscle weakness, have diminished reflexes or paralysis.

In case of drug overdose, contact a health care practitioner, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.

Missed dose:

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you have missed. If it is almost time for the dose, skip the dose you missed and take the next dose when you are meant to.

Side effects may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite

If any of these affects you severely, tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

BEFORE you use KAYEXALATE, talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you have or have had any medical conditions, especially the following:

• Heart problems.
• High blood pressure.
• Problems with your bowel or constipation.
• Severe burns.
• Low blood volume, which can occur with dehydration or bleeding.
• Electrolyte imbalance. KAYEXALATE therapy can worsen these imbalances. Your doctor may want to check the levels of the electrolytes in your blood more frequently during treatment.
• Kidney problems.
• Edema (swelling of the face, hands or feet with fluid)
• You require low salt diet.
• You are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
• You are breastfeeding. It is not known if KAYEXALATE passes into breast milk.

Magnesium containing laxatives should not be used with KAYEXALATE.

As with most medicines, interactions with other drugs are possible. Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including drugs prescribed by other doctors, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines (non-prescription drugs or over the counter drugs).

The following may interact with KAYEXALATE:

• Digoxin, a medicine used for heart problems.
• Laxatives such as magnesium hydroxide or aluminium carbonate.
• Thyroxine, a medicine for hypothyroidism.
• Lithium, a medicine which can be used to treat bipolar disorder.
• Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium.
• Sorbitol (a ‘sugar free’ sweetener used to sweeten food).
• Immunosuppressant drugs.