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).

Light brown, to brown, finely ground powder of sodium polystyrene sulfonate. The sodium content is approximately 4.1 mmol (100 mg) per gram.

Do not use Kayexalate (Polystyrene-sulfonate-sodium) if you:

• are allergic to sodium polystyrene sulfonate or any ingredients of the medication
• have a serum potassium level less than 5 mmol/L
• have obstructive bowel disease

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate should not be given to newborns by mouth.

There may be an interaction between sodium polystyrene sulfonate and any of the following:

• aluminum hydroxide
• certain antacids (e.g., magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate)
• Digoxin
• laxatives
• lithium
• magnesium citrate
• sorbitol
• Thyroid replacements (e.g., desiccated thyroid, Levothyroxine)

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Kayexalate (Polystyrene-sulfonate-sodium). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Kayexalate (Polystyrene-sulfonate-sodium).

Increase in sodium levels: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate can cause an increase in sodium levels. If you have Congestive Heart Failure, high blood pressure, kidney problems, or swelling of the ankles, feet, lower legs, or hands, discuss with your doctor how Kayexalate (Polystyrene-sulfonate-sodium) may affect your medical condition and whether special monitoring is required.

Low potassium levels: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate can cause low potassium levels. Tell your doctor if you experience symptoms of low potassium, such as confusion, irregular heartbeat, and muscle weakness or cramping.

Pregnancy: The safety and effectiveness of using Kayexalate (Polystyrene-sulfonate-sodium) during pregnancy have not been established.

Breast-feeding: The safety and effectiveness of using Kayexalate (Polystyrene-sulfonate-sodium) while breast-feeding have not been established.

Children and infants: Newborns should not be given sodium polystyrene sulfonate by mouth.