General Information on Kayexalate
Kayexalate is given for the treatment of hyperkalemia, which is a condition where there is high blood potassium level. Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate, the main ingredient in the medication belongs to a group of medicines known as Potassium-removing resins.
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate is an action-exchange resin medication. It does not get absorbed in the gastro intestinal tract. When Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate passes through the gastrointestinal tract, it removes the potassium ions in exchange of sodium ions and thus facilitates potassium removal from the gastro intestinal tract.
Kayexalate is available in the form of fine powder for solution. It is a prescription medication, which means that you should consult a doctor before you buy Kayexalate.
Side effects of Kayexalate
Kayexalate may not be an ideal medicine for people with specific medical problems. People with medical problems such as high blood pressure, edema, bowel obstruction, heart disease, congestive heart failure, kidney disease and low levels of potassium in blood should inform their doctor about it before they buy Kayexalate.
Kayexalate may cause mild to severe side effects in some people. Constipation, loss of appetite, diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting are some less serious side effects associated with the drug. These side effects generally wane with time. However, if they persist or become bothersome, then you should consult your doctor immediately.
Some people may experience severe side effects after taking a dose of Kayexalate. Bloody, black or tarry stools, pain or fluttering in your chest, increased urination or thirst, uneven heartbeats, severe muscle weakness, feeling irritated or confused, inability to move your muscles, rapid weight gain and pain in your rectum or lower stomach or swelling are some severe side effects associated with the drug.
It is not necessary that every person using Kayexalate will experience some side effect. Many people using the medication do not complain about any side effects.
Dosage of Kayexalate
The powder form of Kayexalate is mixed in water to prepare a suspension or syrup (if the dose is given orally). The suspension should always be freshly prepared before administering the dose.
Kayexalate can be administered in the body in three different ways- as a liquid by mouth, as a rectal enema or through a stomach feeding tube. The Kayexalate dosage is given by a trained medical professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
The recommend adult dose of resin is 15g to 60g daily. 4 level teaspoons of suspension provides around 15g of resin, so you will be required to take 4 teaspoonful of medication 4 times in a day, if the recommended dose is 60g daily.
Interactions
If you are using other medications then there is a possibility that Kayexalate may interact with them and cause side effects. It may interact with medications such as Thyroxine, Digoxin, diuretics (such as Triamterene, Amiloride, Spironolactone) or Lithium.
Before starting the treatment, tell doctor about every medication you are using which includes prescription medications, over the counter drugs, and herbal supplements. Do not use antacids, salt substitutes, Calcium or Potassium supplements or laxatives without consulting your doctor. Laxatives and antacids can decrease efficacy of Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate or cause severe side effects.
