Uses and side effects of Sodium polystyrene sulfonate

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate binds itself to potassium in your digestive tract. This helps prevent your body from absorbing too much potassium.

Uses

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is used to treat hyperkalemia (increased amounts of potassium in the body). Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is in a class of medications called potassium-removing agents. It works by removing excess potassium from the body.

Usage

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate comes as a suspension and as an oral powder for suspension to take by mouth. The suspension may also be given rectally as an enema. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is usually taken or used one to four times a day. Take or use sodium polystyrene sulfonate at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take or use sodium polystyrene sulfonate exactly as directed. Do not take or use more or less of it or take or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Side effects

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

diarrhea

nausea

vomiting

loss of appetite

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking or using sodium polystyrene sulfonate and call your doctor immediately:

constipation

seizures

unusual bleeding

confusion

muscle weakness

abdominal pain

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking or using this medication.