Why is kayexalate given

Light brown, to brown, finely ground powder of sodium polystyrene sulfonate. The sodium content is approximately 4. Oral: The average adult dose is 15 grams taken 1 to 4 times daily. Each dose should be mixed in 45 mL to 60 mL of water or syrup. Do not mix it with orange or fruit juice that contains potassium. Children's doses are based on body weight. Rectal: The recommended adult dose is 30 to 50 grams given 1 or 2 times daily at intervals of 6 hours.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from freezing and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater e. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired. Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time. Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. The effects of SPS are not seen for 2 — 3 hours. We use lactulose instead. I would say, at this point in time there is no evidence that SPS is superior to lactulose or that lactulose is inferior to SPS, so if weighing the risks and benefits of bowel necrosis vs some flatulence and diarrhea, then why not go with the lesser of two evils?

If you are aware of studies that say otherwise, would love to get my hands on them. TY for reading the post and also commenting. I think many times physicians forget about the long term care of patients in addition to short term care. Looking forward to your response. Please remember that you can count the number of cases of bowel necrosis associated with lactulose on your hand and the same level of evidence would suggest it is not as benign as you suggest:. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd.

Pneumatosis coli following treatment with lactulose. N Y State J Med. Please read a great editoria 1: Braithwaite RS. A piece of my mind. There is no evidence that the peanut butter and jelly sandwich that brought for lunch today is going to satisfy me but I am sure it is. Lactulose is fine if you prefer, but please do something.

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February 2, Background: Hyperkalemia is the most common electrolyte disorder seen in the Emergency Department and treatment of hyperkalemia is core knowledge of EM training for interns and focuses on: 1 Stabilization of cardiac myocytes with calcium salts. Intervention: Oral or rectal cation exchange resin and a low or no potassium diet.

The following two tabs change content below. Bio Latest Posts. Latest posts by Anand Swaminathan see all. Hyperkalemia , kayexalate , Mythbuster.

Like this article? Share on facebook Share on Facebook. Share on twitter Share on Twitter. Avoid using antacids or laxatives without your doctor's advice. Antacids or laxatives can make sodium polystyrene sulfonate less effective, or cause serious side effects. Do not use potassium supplements, calcium supplements, or salt substitutes while you are taking sodium polystyrene sulfonate, unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid eating or drinking anything that contains sorbitol a fruit sugar often used as a sweetener in chewing gum, diet drinks, baked goods, or frozen desserts. Use Kayexalate Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Use the medicine exactly as directed. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate can be given as a liquid by mouth, through a stomach feeding tube, or as a rectal enema. Do not give this medicine orally by mouth to a newborn baby. Do not use the medicine orally or rectally in a baby who has slow digestion caused by surgery or by using other medicines.

To give this medicine orally: Mix the sodium polystyrene sulfonate powder with water, or with honey or jam to make it taste better. Avoid inhaling the oral powder while you are preparing a dose. Do not mix the powder with any juice or other liquid that contains potassium, such as orange juice. The rectal enema form of this medicine is usually given by a healthcare professional. The enema will be inserted slowly while you are lying down. You may need to hold in the enema for up to several hours.