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Kayexalate (Sodium polystyrene sulfonate) Shopper Approved

Prescription Prescription Required FormationFormulation: Powder

Kayexalate

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Prescription Prescription Required FormationFormulation: Powder

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate

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Kayexalate (active ingredient: sodium polystyrene sulfonate) is a prescription medication used to treat high potassium levels in the blood, a condition known as hyperkalemia.

High potassium can interfere with the normal function of the heart and muscles. If left untreated, it can lead to serious heart rhythm problems that may become life-threatening.

Treatment of Hyperkalemia (High Potassium)

Kayexalate is used to lower elevated potassium levels in the blood.

Hyperkalemia can occur for several reasons, including:

  • Kidney disease or kidney failure.
  • Certain medications that increase potassium levels.
  • Adrenal gland disorders.
  • Severe dehydration.
  • Conditions that cause the body to release excess potassium into the bloodstream.

Many people with mild hyperkalemia have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

  • Muscle weakness.
  • Fatigue.
  • Numbness or tingling.
  • Nausea.
  • Slow, irregular, or pounding heartbeat.
  • Chest pain in severe cases.

Lowering high potassium levels helps reduce the risk of serious complications, including abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

How Does Kayexalate Work?

Kayexalate belongs to a group of medications called potassium-binding resins.

After it reaches the intestines, Kayexalate binds to excess potassium and exchanges it for sodium. The potassium remains attached to the medication and is removed from the body through the stool instead of being absorbed into the bloodstream.

By removing excess potassium, Kayexalate helps:

  • Lower blood potassium levels.
  • Reduce the risk of dangerous heart rhythm problems.
  • Help restore a safer electrolyte balance.

Kayexalate does not work immediately and should not be used as the only treatment for life-threatening hyperkalemia. In emergency situations where potassium levels are dangerously high, additional treatments may be required to lower potassium more rapidly.

While taking Kayexalate, your healthcare provider will monitor your potassium levels and other electrolytes with regular blood tests to ensure the medication is working safely and effectively.

Kayexalate is available as an oral suspension or may be given rectally as an enema by a healthcare professional. Use Kayexalate exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

If you are taking Kayexalate by mouth:

  • Take each dose exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.
  • Shake the suspension well before each use if applicable.
  • Take the medication while sitting upright to help reduce the risk of choking or aspiration.
  • Do not heat the medication or mix it with potassium-rich foods or drinks, such as orange juice or banana juice, as this may reduce its effectiveness.
  • Take other oral medications at least 3 hours before or 3 hours after Kayexalate because it can reduce the absorption of many medicines. If you have delayed stomach emptying (gastroparesis), your healthcare provider may recommend a longer interval.

The length of treatment depends on your blood potassium levels and how you respond to therapy. Your healthcare provider will monitor your potassium and other electrolyte levels with regular blood tests and adjust your treatment as needed.

Recommended Dosages

The dose of Kayexalate depends on the severity of your hyperkalemia, your blood test results, and the route of administration.

Adults (Oral)

The usual dose is:

  • 15 grams by mouth, 1 to 4 times daily.

The typical total daily dose ranges from:

  • 15 to 60 grams per day.

Adults (Rectal)

If Kayexalate is administered as a retention enema, the usual dose is:

  • 30 to 50 grams every 6 hours, as directed by your healthcare provider.

Children

The dose for children is individualized and based on the child’s blood potassium level, age, and body weight. Your child’s healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dose.

Important Tips

  • Take Kayexalate exactly as prescribed.
  • Continue treatment until your healthcare provider tells you to stop.
  • Separate Kayexalate from other oral medications by at least 3 hours to reduce the risk of drug interactions.
  • Keep all appointments for blood tests so your healthcare provider can monitor your potassium and other electrolyte levels.
  • Kayexalate has a delayed onset of action and is not intended as the sole treatment for life-threatening hyperkalemia. If your potassium level is dangerously high, your healthcare provider may recommend additional treatments that work more quickly.

Common Side Effects of Kayexalate (Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate):

  • Constipation.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Stomach pain or discomfort.
  • Bloating.
  • Electrolyte imbalances:
    • Muscle weakness or cramps.
    • Fatigue.
    • Tingling or numbness.
    • Irregular or fast heartbeat.
    • Confusion.

Serious Side Effects of Kayexalate (Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate):

  • Severe or persistent abdominal pain.
  • Severe constipation or inability to pass stool.
  • Bloody or black stools.
  • Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Signs of intestinal blockage or bowel injury.
  • Chest pain or a severe irregular heartbeat.

Kayexalate (Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate) is available in the following forms and strengths:

Kayexalate: Powder

  • No Dose

Before taking Kayexalate, tell your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, including any allergies, medical conditions, and all medications you are taking.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Kayexalate may increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal complications, including:

  • Intestinal blockage.
  • Ulcers.
  • Bleeding.
  • Intestinal tissue damage (necrosis).
  • Bowel perforation.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have:

  • A history of bowel disease.
  • Chronic constipation.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease.
  • A recent intestinal surgery.
  • Reduced bowel movement or bowel obstruction.

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop severe stomach pain, persistent constipation, bloody stools, or severe abdominal swelling.

Electrolyte Imbalances

Kayexalate removes potassium from the body and may sometimes lower potassium too much (hypokalemia). It can also affect your calcium, magnesium, and sodium levels.

Your healthcare provider will monitor your electrolyte levels with regular blood tests during treatment. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

  • Muscle weakness or cramps.
  • Irregular heartbeat.
  • Confusion.
  • Tingling or numbness.
  • Severe fatigue.

Drug Interactions

Kayexalate can reduce the absorption of many oral medications.

To help prevent drug interactions:

  • Take other oral medications at least 3 hours before or 3 hours after taking Kayexalate.
  • If you have delayed stomach emptying (gastroparesis), your healthcare provider may recommend a longer interval.

Always tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking.

Kidney Disease

People with kidney disease often require Kayexalate to treat high potassium levels. However, your healthcare provider will closely monitor your kidney function and electrolyte levels throughout treatment to ensure the medication remains safe and effective.

Sodium Content

Kayexalate contains sodium, which may not be suitable for everyone.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have:

  • Heart failure.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Swelling (edema).
  • Kidney disease requiring a low-sodium diet.

Your healthcare provider may recommend dietary adjustments or additional monitoring.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, tell your healthcare provider before taking Kayexalate. They will determine whether the benefits of treatment outweigh any potential risks for you and your baby.

Allergic Reactions

Do not take Kayexalate if you are allergic to sodium polystyrene sulfonate or any of the ingredients in the medication.

Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction, including:

  • Rash or hives.
  • Severe itching.
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Regular Monitoring

While taking Kayexalate, your healthcare provider may regularly monitor your:

  • Blood potassium levels.
  • Sodium, calcium, and magnesium levels.
  • Kidney function.
  • Response to treatment.

Keeping your scheduled blood tests and follow-up appointments is important to ensure the medication is working safely and effectively.

How long does Kayexalate take to work?

Kayexalate does not lower potassium immediately. It typically begins working within 2 to 24 hours, depending on the person and the route of administration. Because it has a delayed onset, Kayexalate is not used as the sole treatment for life-threatening hyperkalemia, which requires more rapid medical treatment.

How should I take Kayexalate?

Take Kayexalate exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It may be taken by mouth as an oral suspension or administered rectally as an enema. If you are taking it by mouth, separate it from other oral medications by at least 3 hours (or longer if advised by your healthcare provider) because it can reduce the absorption of many medicines.

Can I take Kayexalate with other medications?

Yes, but caution is needed. Kayexalate can interfere with the absorption of many prescription and over-the-counter medications. Tell your healthcare provider about all medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking so they can determine the safest dosing schedule.

Are there any foods I should avoid while taking Kayexalate?

Your healthcare provider may recommend following a low-potassium diet while taking Kayexalate. Foods high in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, and dried fruits, may need to be limited. Follow your healthcare provider’s or dietitian’s dietary recommendations.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Kayexalate, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time unless instructed by your healthcare provider.

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop severe or persistent constipation, severe stomach pain or bloating, bloody or black stools, muscle weakness or cramps, an irregular heartbeat, or signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing. These symptoms may indicate serious side effects or changes in your potassium or other electrolyte levels and require prompt medical attention.

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Additional Information Book
Generic name:

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate

Formulation:

Powder

Strength(s):

noDose

Quantities Available:

454g

Why customers love Online Pharmacies Canada

Our online Canadian Pharmacy is known for high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency when it comes to medications.

Our pharmacy offers lower prices on prescription drugs compared to traditional pharmacies.

How to Order

How much Kayexalate can I order at once from a Canadian pharmacy?

When ordering Kayexalate (sodium polystyrene sulfonate) from a Canadian pharmacy, you can typically purchase up to a 90-day supply at one time. This is common for prescription medications to ensure adequate management of conditions without frequent refills.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dosage and Quantity: Kayexalate is typically prescribed in gram amounts, depending on the severity of hyperkalemia and the specific formulation (oral suspension or rectal suspension) prescribed by your healthcare provider. The quantity for a 90-day supply would depend on the prescribed daily dosage.

Example:

  • If your prescribed daily dosage is 30 grams and you take it once daily, for a 90-day supply, you would need 2700 grams (90 days x 30 grams per day).

Do you sell sodium polystyrene sulfonate?

No, we don’t sell sodium polystyrene sulfonate. However, you can still enjoy low prices on Kayexalate, which contains sodium polystyrene sulfonate as an active ingredient. To place an order for Kayexalate, you will need a valid prescription from your healthcare provider, as we require this to dispense the medication safely and accurately. You can conveniently submit your prescription by mail, fax, or by uploading it through your online account during the ordering process.

Do you offer shipping of Kayexalate (sodium polystyrene sulfonate) to the United States?

Yes, we ship Kayexalate (sodium polystyrene sulfonate) to both the United States and Puerto Rico.

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Online Pharmacies Canada has provided information from third parties intended to increase awareness and does not contain all the information about Kayexalate (Sodium polystyrene sulfonate). Talk to your doctor or other qualified medical practitioners for medical attention or advice, or if you have any concerns about Kayexalate (Sodium polystyrene sulfonate).