Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is used to treat increased amounts of potassium in the body.

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate comes as a powder and suspension to take by mouth. It may also be used as a rectal enema. It is usually taken one to four times a day. The powder should be mixed with water or syrup as directed by your doctor. Shake the liquid (suspension) well before each use. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take sodium polystyrene sulfonate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate controls high potassium when taken as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking sodium polystyrene sulfonate without talking to your doctor.

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

<ul>
<li>
constipation</li>
<li>
diarrhea</li>
<li>
upset stomach</li>
<li>
nausea</li>
<li>
vomiting</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
<li>
confusion</li>
<li>
muscle weakness</li>
<li>
unusual swelling</li>
<li>
irregular heartbeat</li>
<li>
rectal or lower stomach pain</li>
<li>
increased thirst</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking sodium polystyrene sulfonate, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to sodium polystyrene sulfonate or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antacids, digoxin, diuretics ('water pills'), laxatives, and vitamins or herbal products. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or kidney disease, hypertension, or constipation. tell your doctor if you are on a sodium-restricted diet.