Kalexate

Generic name:sodium polystyrene sulfonate [ SOE-dee-um-pol-ee-STEER-een-SUL-foe-nate ]
Brand names: Kalexate, Kayexalate, Kionex
Drug class:Cation exchange resins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 25, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Kalexate?

Kalexate binds itself to potassium in your digestive tract. This helps prevent your body from absorbing too much potassium.

Kalexate is used to treat high levels of potassium in the blood, also called hyperkalemia.

Kalexate works differently from other medicines because it passes into your intestines without being absorbed into your blood stream.

Kalexate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use Kalexate if you have low potassium levels or a bowel obstruction.

Do not give this medicine orally (by mouth) to a newborn baby.

Avoid taking other medicines by mouth within 3 hours before or 3 hours after you take Kalexate (or 6 hours before/after if you have slow digestion).

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Kalexate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• low potassium levels (hypokalemia); or

• a bowel obstruction.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease or high blood pressure;

• a weak immune system caused using certain medicine;

• severe constipation or other bowel problems;

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium in your blood);

• fluid retention;

• severe burns;

• a bowel disorder, or surgery on your intestines;

• if you are dehydrated; or

• if you are on a low-salt diet.

Because Kalexate is not absorbed into the bloodstream, this medicine is not expected to be harmful during pregnancy or while nursing a baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How is Kalexate given?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Kalexate can be given as a liquid by mouth, through a stomach feeding tube, or as a rectal enema.

Do not give Kalexate orally (by mouth) to a newborn baby. Do not use the medicine orally or rectally in a baby who has slow digestion caused by surgery or by u...