Kayexalate

The active ingredient in Kayexalate is sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS), which is a potassium binder. The mechanism of action involves the medications binding to potassium in your stomach and large intestines, preventing your body from absorbing it. It then passes via your feces, lowering the amount of potassium in your blood.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Kayexalate. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Kayexalate:

• Kayexalate can be taken by mouth, through a feeding tube, or is available as a rectal enema.
• The effectiveness of Kayexalate in pediatric patients has not been established. In neonates (newborn babies), it should not be given by the oral route.
• To administer this medication orally: Kayexalate powder can be mixed with water, honey, or jam to enhance its flavor.
• Do not mix the powder with potassium-containing juices or liquids, such as orange juice.
• A healthcare professional is normally responsible for administering this medication via rectal enema.

The most common side effects of Kayexalate include:

• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Stomach irritations.
• Constipation.
• Diarrhea.
• Clumps of food that get stuck in the stomach (bezoars).

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Kayexalate. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Intestinal necrosis (poor blood supply to the stomach and intestines) is characterised by blood in the stool, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.
• Low electrolyte levels (potassium, calcium, magnesium) can cause muscle cramps, discomfort, numbness or tingling, nausea, vomiting, weakness, shortness of breath, and confusion.
• An allergic reaction to the medication, such as hives or a skin rash.
• Large doses may result in fecal impaction, especially in the elderly and after rectal administration (especially in children), which can be life-threatening.

These are not all of the possible adverse reactions of Kayexalate. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Kayexalate, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Low potassium levels (hypokalemia).
• Low magnesium in the blood (hypomagnesemia).
• Hypocalcemia (low calcium in the blood).
• A disorder that causes the intestines to move slowly (motility disorder).
• Gastroparesis.
• An obstructive bowel disease.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Cardiovascular disease, heart failure, or irregular heartbeat.
• Severe constipation or other intestinal issues.
• Kidney disease or are on dialysis.
• Fluid retention (edema).
• Other gastrointestinal tract disorders or intestinal surgery.
• Colonic necrosis and other serious GI adverse events (eg, bleeding, ischemic colitis, perforation).

• Potassium levels are low.
• Bowel blockage.
• Newborns with intestinal bowel movement issues.
• Hypersensitivity to polystyrene sulfonate resins.

Because significant serum potassium lowering with Kayexalate can take hours to days, treatment with this medicine alone may not be sufficient to quickly address severe hyperkalemia.

When Kayexalate is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• If you have a condition that causes slow digestion, you should avoid taking any other oral medications within 6 hours after taking Kayexalate.
• Sorbitol, which is commonly used as a laxative or sweetener.
• Digoxin.
• Lithium.
• Thyroxine.
• Cancer medications, steroids, and anti-rejection drugs that decrease the immune system.
• An antacid or laxative containing calcium, aluminum, or magnesium hydroxide.

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) is available in two dosage forms for oral administration: powder form (3.5 g per level teaspoon) and liquid suspension (15 g/60 mL). The dosage is the same for both powder and suspension.

Your SPS dose will be determined by your potassium levels, how well you respond to the drug, and whether or not you experience any side effects.

Adults typically take 15 grams orally 1–4 times per day.

Rectal: A normal dose is 30 to 50 grammes administered as an enema every 6 hours.

For children, their provider will assess whether SPS is safe for them. If so, the dose of sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) is estimated using blood potassium levels.

The sodium content is approximately 4.1 mmol (100 mg) per gram of the drug.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Sanofi is the company that manufactures Kayexalate.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available of Kayexalate.

Do not stop the medication abruptly without speaking to your healthcare provider.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.