Kayexalate

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 Kayexalate (Polystyrene-sulfonate-sodium). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Kayexalate (Polystyrene-sulfonate-sodium) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Kayexalate (Polystyrene-sulfonate-sodium). 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. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• abdominal pain or swelling
• bleeding from the rectum
• blood-streaked stool or bloody diarrhea 
• symptoms of low calcium levels (e.g., abdominal cramps, irritability, muscle spasms)
• symptoms of low magnesium levels (e.g., muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting)
• symptoms of low potassium levels (e.g., muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting)
• symptoms of sodium retention (e.g., bloating, excessive thirst)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of an allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing, Hives, swelling of the face or throat)  
• signs of bleeding in the stomach (e.g., vomit that looks like coffee grounds; black, bloody or tarry stools)
• symptoms of a blocked intestine (e.g., abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, vomiting)
• symptoms of fecal impaction (e.g., leaking liquid stool, stomach pain, feeling the need to push, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite)
• symptoms of a tear of the intestine (e.g., abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, Fever)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Kayexalate (Polystyrene-sulfonate-sodium).