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What is Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
TolevamerThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummarySodium polystyrene sulfonate is a medication used to lower high levels of potassium in the body. It can be taken orally or as an enema in the form of a rectal solution. The drug works by attaching to potassium in the intestines and prevents it from being absorbed. Additionally, sodium polystyrene sulfonate is a microbicide and spermicide, helping to prevent the spread of HIV and other infections.
Kayexalateis the brand name
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Kayexalate
Tolevamer
1958
34
Effectiveness
How Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Affects PatientsPolystyrene sulfonate is used to treat high levels of potassium in the blood (also known as hyperkalemia). It works by controlling the amount of sodium and potassium that is exchanged in the body. It comes in two forms, either to be taken orally (25 g in 20% sorbitol) or rectally (50 g in 20% sorbitol).
How Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate works in the bodyPolystyrene sulfonate binds to potassium in the body and carries it out in the feces. This prevents the potassium from being absorbed into the blood, reducing the overall level of potassium in the body.
When to interrupt dosage
The quantity of Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate is contingent upon the diagnosed state. The amount of dosage can be found in the table below, based on the modality of administration.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Hyperkalemia
0.0041 meq/mg, , 1.0 mg/mg, 100.0 %, 1500.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg/mL, 0.0943 mg/mg, 0.999 mg/mg
, Oral; Rectal, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral; Rectal, Powder, Oral, Powder - Oral, Powder - Oral; Rectal, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral; Rectal, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Oral; Rectal, Suspension - Oral, Rectal, Suspension - Rectal
Warnings
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate.Common Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Technetium Tc-99m oxidronate
Major
Tolevamer may decrease effectiveness of Technetium Tc-99m oxidronate as a diagnostic agent.
Acetyldigitoxin
Moderate
The risk or severity of Cardiac Arrhythmia can be increased when Tolevamer is combined with Acetyldigitoxin.
Acetyldigoxin
Moderate
The risk or severity of Cardiac Arrhythmia can be increased when Tolevamer is combined with Acetyldigoxin.
Almasilate
Moderate
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Tolevamer is combined with Almasilate.
Aloglutamol
Moderate
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Tolevamer is combined with Aloglutamol.
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Toxicity & Overdose RiskSigns of an overdose on this drug can include confusion, moodiness, difficulty focusing, weak muscles, or difficulty breathing.
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate?
Currently, there are 7 active studies assessing the potential of Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate to treat Hyperkalemia.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Hyperkalemia
4 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 1
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Reviews: What are patients saying about Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate?
5Patient Review
2/28/2018 The medication works as prescribed. The texture of this drug is like liquid sand but the taste makes it okay to drink. The next day I have a bout of diarrhea that lasts about 5-6 hours. I will continue to take this medicine because it has very few side effects
4.3Patient Review
5/18/2009 I've been taking this medication every two weeks and it has helped to lower my potassium levels. I was also having pain in my kidneys, but that seems to have gone away as well. Thank you!
4Patient Review
2/20/2010 I've just started this treatment, but so far it's been going well.
4Patient Review
6/30/2009 This medication really helped with my constipation.
3.7Patient Review
11/7/2015 I have to take this drug even though I hate the taste, because it helps me regulate my blood sugar levels as a diabetic. Just be aware that you shouldn't take it at the same time as other medications.
3.3Patient Review
11/23/2015 I'm 73 years old and female, so I can't speak to the effects this might have on someone in my demographic. That being said, I'm leery of taking it because of all the other medications I am currently taking (14, total). Additionally, I had a double bypass two years ago. Side effects are always a concern for me, especially given my age and preexisting health conditions.
2.7Patient Review
6/7/2009 This medication quickly lowers potassium levels in the blood, which can be dangerous. Be sure to monitor your intake of potassium-rich foods if you're taking this medication.
2.3Patient Review
5/23/2008Patient Q&A Section about sodium polystyrene sulfonate
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What should I check before giving sodium polystyrene sulfonate?
"Be sure to mention any of the following before taking or receiving sodium polystyrene sulfonate: antacids, antibiotics taken by mouth; anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); digoxin (Lanoxin); laxatives; lithium (Lithobid); or thyroxine."
Answered by AI
Is sodium polystyrene sulfonate the same as Kayexalate?
"Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is available as the brand name Kayexalate, as well as generic brands, both branded and non-branded. For patients taking sodium polystyrene sulfonate orally, it is recommended that they take their medicine either 3 hours before or 3 hours after taking the sulfonate."
Answered by AI
How does polystyrene sulfonate work?
"Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is a cation-exchange resin that is taken orally to reduce high levels of potassium in the blood. It exchanges sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestine, removing potassium from the body."
Answered by AI
What is the side effect of sodium polystyrene sulfonate?
"Sodium polystyrene sulfonate may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or loss of appetite."
Answered by AI