Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
(Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate)Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Overview
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate is used to treat a high level of potassium in your blood. Too much potassium in your blood can sometimes cause heart rhythm problems. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate works by helping your body get rid of extra potassium.
How to Use Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
Take Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate by mouth, or use it rectally as directed by your doctor. If you are taking Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate by mouth, take it usually 1 to 4 times a day as directed by your doctor. To prepare the liquid suspension, carefully measure the prescribed dose of the powder and mix it with the prescribed amount of water or flavored syrup as directed. Stir well and drink the entire dose. Stay upright (sitting, standing, or walking) and do not lie down for at least an hour after your dose. Consult your doctor for details. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate may decrease your absorption of other medications. Take your other medications as directed by your doctor, usually at least 3 hours before or 3 hours after sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions. To give Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate rectally as an enema, use the prescribed dose usually every 6 hours as needed or as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for directions on how to prepare and mix the dose into a suspension and how to use the enema. Follow instructions for the use of a cleansing enema both before and after your dose of sodium polystyrene sulfonate. The cleansing enema after each rectal dose of Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate should be a non-sodium-containing enema. Stir the suspension well, and use it soon after mixing. Do not store the mixture for more than 24 hours. Do not heat Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate because it may not work as well. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not use more of Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate or use it for longer than directed because your potassium blood level may drop too low. Keep all laboratory and medical appointments so your doctor can check your potassium blood level.
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Precautions
Before using sodium polystyrene sulfonate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate contains a large amount of salt (sodium). Do not use salt substitutes that contain potassium without asking your doctor first. If you have any of these conditions, follow your doctor'kidney problems, heart failure, high blood pressure, swelling hands/ankles/feet. Before using Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,stomach/intestine/bowel problems (such as inflammatory bowel disease, bowel obstruction, chronic constipation, fecal impaction), low level of potassium in the blood. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be at greater risk for severe constipation. Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate must not be given by mouth to newborns, especially premature infants. Also, newborns with slow gut function must not use Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate. Caution is advised when using Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate rectally in newborns and children. They may be more sensitive to the side effects of Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate, especially severe constipation and intestinal problems. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate. Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate does not pass into breast milk and is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Misdose
If you miss a dose of Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Interactions
See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.antacids/laxatives that contain aluminum/calcium/magnesium (such as aluminum carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide). Do not use any laxatives that contain sorbitol with Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate. Doing so may increase your risk of intestinal problems. See also Side Effects section.
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Side Effects
Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or constipation may occur. Diarrhea may occur less frequently. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To prevent constipation, eat dietary fiber, drink enough water, and exercise. You may also need to take a laxative. Ask your pharmacist which type of laxative is right for you. Remember that Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects,muscle weakness/spasms, fast/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as irritability, confusion, slowed thinking), swelling hands/ankles/feet. Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate may cause serious (rarely fatal) intestinal problems (such as bleeding, blockage).severe constipation, bloating/swelling/pain in the stomach/abdomen, black/bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects,inability to move your muscles (paralysis), seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction,rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Storage
Store tightly closed at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. After mixing, use the suspension within 24 hours. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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