Did your doctor say your blood potassium level is high? Or have you ever seen someone you know being given a drug for a similar condition? This may be a new experience for many people. So today, let's talk about what this drug called Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate actually is, why it is given, and what we need to be careful about when using it.
Simply put, what happens with this medicine?
Imagine that you have too much potassium in your body. This is a common condition among people with kidney problems or other medical conditions. Potassium levels can affect your heart rate, so it's important to keep them at the right level.
This medicine, called Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate, works like a magnet to attract potassium. When you take this medicine, it goes into the intestines and grabs the excess potassium there, and then it is excreted from the body with feces. This means that this medicine does its work from inside the intestines, without being absorbed into the blood. Since it comes as a powder, it is usually mixed with water, syrup, or other liquid and given to drink. Sometimes it is also given rectally. In Sri Lanka, this medicine can be found under various brand names such as `Kalexate`, `Kayexalate`, `Kionex`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important to discuss your complete health history with your doctor before starting this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Health condition or problem | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Constipation or intestinal obstruction | This medicine can make constipation worse, so if you already have that problem, it can be dangerous. |
| Heart disease or high blood pressure | Because the medicine contains sodium, it can affect blood pressure and heart rate. |
| Low blood calcium or potassium levels | This medicine can remove not only potassium, but also things like calcium and magnesium from the body. |
| If you are on a low sodium diet | Since the medicine contains sodium, your doctor should be aware of your diet. |
| If you have recently had abdominal surgery | Because bowel function may change after surgery, special care should be taken when using this medicine. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | In these cases, it is essential to seek the advice of a doctor before taking any medication. |
| If you have allergies to other medicines, foods, or substances | Inform the doctor about any allergies. |
How to use the medicine?
This medication is usually started in a hospital or clinic. It is very important to use it exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
- Mixing: The powder should be mixed well with the appropriate amount of water, syrup, or other liquid before drinking.
- Time: The mixed mixture should be used within 24 hours . Discard any leftovers after that.
- Interval with other medications: This is the most important thing. If you are taking other medications by mouth, you should take them 3 hours before or 3 hours after taking this medicine. Otherwise, this medicine may prevent the absorption of the other medication.
- For people with stomach problems: Some people have a condition where food moves slowly from the stomach to the intestines (delayed gastric emptying). If you have this condition, you should take other medications 6 hours before or 6 hours after this medicine.
Important: Take the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time. Never take more than the prescribed amount. This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
Can this medicine be given to children?
Yes, sometimes children also need to be given this medicine. But it should only be done under the supervision of a pediatrician. Special care is needed when giving it to children.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Don't delay.
What are the things that are incompatible with this medicine?
Some medications may interact with this medicine. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, including vitamins and traditional medicines.
- Sorbitol: This is a sweetener. Do not take anything containing Sorbitol with Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate for any reason . The combination of these two can cause serious intestinal damage.
- Antacids and Laxatives containing aluminum or magnesium: Some medications for gastritis and some medications for constipation can interfere with the effectiveness of this medication.
- Lithium: A medication used to treat mental illnesses.
- Thyroxine: A medication given for thyroid hormone deficiency.
Remember, always leave a 3-hour (or maybe 6-hour) gap between taking other medications to avoid reducing their absorption.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
It is important to stay in touch with your doctor while taking this medication.
1. Blood Tests: Your doctor may regularly order blood tests to check your blood levels of potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. Don't skip these.
2. Diet: You may be told to follow a special diet. For example, you may be told to reduce your intake of foods high in potassium (like bananas, oranges, and avocados). Follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
3. Constipation: If you experience constipation, tell your doctor about it. He or she will advise you on what to do about it.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergy symptoms | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Bowel problems | Severe stomach pain, rectal pain, black or tarry stools. |
| Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency | Muscle twitching or pain, tremors, seizures, fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Symptoms of low potassium levels *kelinma* | Muscle pain, chest pain, dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing, fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach upset, vomiting. |
Take-Home Message
- Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate is a medicine that helps eliminate excess potassium from the body through stool.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Take other medications 3 hours before or 3 hours after taking this medicine. This rule is very important.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as severe stomach pain, black stools, or changes in your heartbeat, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine was prescribed for you by the doctor. Never give it to anyone else.
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