Sodium polystyrene sulfonate

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Your child needs to take medicine called sodium polystyrene sulfonate (say: so-dee-um pol-ee-STY-reen SUL-fon-ate). This information sheet explains what sodium polystyrene sulfonate does, how to give it, and what side effects or problems your child may have while taking it.

What is the medication

What is sodium polystyrene sulfonate?

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is a medicine that lowers potassium levels in the blood. It comes as a powder or a liquid.

You may hear sodium polystyrene sulfonate called by its brand name, Kayexalate.

Before giving the medication

Before giving sodium polystyrene sulfonate to your child

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if your child:

has an allergy to sodium polystyrene sulfonate
is on a low-salt diet
has heart disease
has an obstructive bowel disease (a disease that causes a blockage in their bowel).

How to give the medication

How should you give your child sodium polystyrene sulfonate?

Give this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, even if your child seems better.

Powder sodium polystyrene sulfonate

Measure the dose in the special device provided by the pharmacy.
Mix the powder very well in at least half a glass of water. Do not mix it with fruit juice, as the juice may cause it not to work.
Have your child drink the mixture.

Note: Do not give the powder through a feeding tube, even if your child normally uses it. The powder may cause the tube to clog up.

Liquid sodium polystyrene sulfonate

Shake well before use.
Measure the dose in the syringe or measuring cup provided by the pharmacy.
Have your child drink the liquid on its own. It may not work if you mix it with fruit juice.

What to do for a missed dose

What should you do if your child misses a dose sodium polystyrene sulfonate?

For many patients, this drug is prescribed on an "as needed" basis. If your child needs to take it regularly, follow these steps.

Your child can take the missed dose as soon as you or they remember it.
If it is almost time for the next dose, your child can skip the missed dose. They can take the next dose at the regular time.
Your child should never take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of sodium polystyrene sulfonate?

Your child may have some side effects while they take sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Check with your child's doctor if the following side effects do not go away or if they bother your child:

stomach upset (bloating, nausea or vomiting)
constipation (hard stool or 'poo')
loss of appetite.

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate can sometimes cause more serious side effects. Most of these are not common, but they may be a sign of a serious problem.

Call your child's doctor right away or take your child to the nearest Emergency Department if they have any of these side effects:

severe skin rash or hives (raised, red itchy areas on the skin)
trouble breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath
swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat
black, tarry or bloody stools
severe constipation or stomach pain
severe weakness or tiredness.

Safety measures

What safety measures should you take when your child is taking sodium polystyrene sulfonate?

Check with your child's doctor or pharmacist before giving your child any other medicines (prescription, non-prescription, herbal or natural products).

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate can interfere with how the body absorbs some other medicines. Because of this, your child should take it at least two hours before or after them.

Some of the side effects listed above are caused by high levels of sodium or low levels of potassium in your child's blood. Your child will be checked now and then to make sure their sodium and potassium levels are in a safe range.

Other important information

What other important information should you know about sodium polystyrene sulfonate?

Keep a list of all medicines your child is taking to show the doctor or pharmacist.
Do not share your child's medicine with others and do not give anyone else's medicine to your child.
Keep sodium polystyrene sulfonate at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Do not store it in the bathroom, as heat and steam can damage it. You should also keep it away from heat sources in the kitchen.
Keep sodium polystyrene sulfonate out of your child's sight and reach.
Do not keep any medicines that are out of date. Ask your pharmacist about the best way to throw away outdated or leftover medicines.

Overdose information

Keep sodium polystyrene sulfonate out of your child’s sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. If your child takes too much sodium polystyrene sulfonate, call your local Poison Information Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free. 

Call 1-844 POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, from anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
Call 1-800-463-5060 if you live in Quebec.

Disclaimer: The information in this Family Med-aid is accurate at the time of printing. It provides a summary of information about sodium polystyrene sulfonate and does not contain all possible information about this medicine. Not all side effects are listed. If you have any questions or want more information about sodium polystyrene sulfonate, speak to your healthcare provider.

Last updated: 3月 20th 2013