Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is used to treat a condition called hyperkalaemia (too much potassium in the blood). It works by removing the excess potassium in your blood to bring the levels back to normal.
Take Sodium polystyrene sulfonate exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine is available as a suspension or a powder for suspension.
If you are taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
If you are taking the powder for suspension, mix the powder with water or syrup. Do not mix in any fruit juice known to contain potassium. You may ask your doctor or pharmacist how much liquid you need to use. Shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed.
It is important to sit up while taking this medicine to prevent you from breathing in the medicine into your lungs.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medicine.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- low level of potassium in your blood
- partially or completely blocked bowel
as Sodium polystyrene sulfonate may not be suitable for you.
Do not give this medicine to newborn babies, unless instructed to do so by the doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe heart disease
- severe high blood pressure
- swelling of the ankles, feet, or hand
- history of bowel disease or surgery
- low volume of blood in the body
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Sodium polystyrene sulfonate to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Routine tests (e.g. electrolyte levels, ECG) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, occasional diarrhoea, upset stomach, and loss of appetite.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- stomach pain, constipation, swelling of the stomach, black, tarry or bloody stools
- muscle weakness, cramping or numbness; fast or irregular heartbeat, mood changes, fits or seizures
- shortness of breath, coughing, fever, chest tightness, chills
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines that reduce stomach acid production e.g. aluminium carbonate
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
- lithium (medicine for mood disorders)
- levothyroxine (medicine for thyroid disease)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Sodium polystyrene sulfonate.
Take this medicine at least 3 hours before or after other oral medicines you are taking. If you have a condition called gastroparesis (a long-term condition where the stomach cannot empty itself in a normal way), leave at least 6 hours before or after taking other oral medicines.
Avoid taking Sodium polystyrene sulfonate with medicine for constipation called sorbitol, or other medicines for constipation that contain magnesium.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid taking too much food that is high in potassium, such as orange juice, bananas, or prunes.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Freshly prepared suspensions should be taken within 24 hours.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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