Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate

Kionex is used to lower abnormally high levels of potassium in the blood. It is also used to treat other conditions as prescribed by your doctor. Potassium binds to Kionex and is removed from the body in the stool. This reduces the amount of potassium in the blood. Kionex is indicated for use in adults and is available as a liquid.

• SPS Suspension

• Kalexate
• Kayexalate
• Kionex
• Lokelma
• Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
• SPS
• Veltassa

• Liquid

• Not Applicable
• By mouth

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

Oral routeCarefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.

This medicine comes as a liquid suspension and as a powder for suspension that is mixed with water or syrup. If you or your child are not able to swallow the liquid, the medicine can be given in the stomach using a special tube.

Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake the bottle well before each use.

Mix the powder with 3 to 4 milliliters (mL) of water or syrup. Each dose of the powder must be mixed with a liquid right before you take it. Stir the powder mixture to dissolve the medicine. Do not store the liquid mixture to take later. Use it while in an upright position within 24 hours after it is mixed.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not heat this medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to sodium polystyrene sulfonate or similar medicines, or if you have bowel blockage. This medicine should not be given to newborn infants who have slow bowel movements. It should not be used as an emergency treatment for life-threatening hyperkalemia.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart rhythm problems (including arrhythmia, QT prolongation), heart failure, high blood pressure, severe swelling or bloating, or a history of stomach or bowel problems (including constipation) or surgery. Tell your doctor if you are on a low-salt diet or if you do not have any bowel movements after a surgery.

This medicine may cause the following problems:Bowel problems (including necrosis, bleeding, constipation, perforation)Electrolyte imbalanceIncreased risk for bronchitis or bronchopneumonia when the powder form is inhaled

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Muscle cramps in your hands, arms, feet, legs, or face.

Muscle spasms or twitching.

Seizures.

Severe constipation or stomach pain.

Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

Trouble thinking clearly, or feeling confused or grouchy.

Unusual weakness.

Vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.

Hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood) may occur while you are using this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have more than one of the following symptoms: confusion, dry mouth, increased thirst, irregular heartbeat, irritability, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, or shortness of breath.

Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Some medicines can affect how sodium polystyrene sulfonate works. Tell your doctor if you are also using digoxin, digitoxin, lithium, sorbitol, thyroxine, or antacids or laxatives that contain aluminum or magnesium.

Take this medicine at least 3 hours before or after taking other oral medicines. If your stomach takes too long to empty food (gastroparesis), take this medicine 6 hours before or after other oral medicines.

This medicine may cause alkalosis, which is a change in the chemical balance of your blood. This is more likely to occur if you use antacids or laxatives that contain aluminum or magnesium together with this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you or your child have changes in mental alertness or speech; diarrhea; a fast or slow heartbeat; a lack or loss of strength; mood or mental changes; muscle cramps; overactive reflexes; slurred speech; trouble with speaking; or vomiting.

• Vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Muscle cramps in your hands, arms, feet, legs, or face
• Chest pain, cough, difficulty breathing
• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting
• Muscle spasms or twitching
• Severe constipation or stomach pain
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Fast or uneven heartbeat
• Trouble thinking clearly, or feeling confused or grouchy
• Seizures
• Bloody, black, or tarry stools
• Unusual weakness
• Mild constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or stomach upset