Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) is a prescription medication used for the treatment of hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is the medical term for excessive potassium levels in the blood. SPS is prescribed to reduce levels of potassium in the body.

SPS is only available under the brand name Kayexalate. It can only be supplied via a prescription from a licensed health care provider.

SPS is prescribed for the treatment of hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is the medical term used for excess levels of potassium in the blood.

Potassium is a vital nutrient needed by the body for nerve and muscle function, but too much of it can cause serious complications. Regular blood potassium levels should be between 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Blood potassium levels over 5.5 mmol/L are considered hyperkalemia. Blood potassium levels over 6.0 mmol/L can cause serious heart problems requiring immediate medical attention.

The body absorbs potassium through food and drinks. Unneeded potassium is normally removed from the body via urine. Hyperkalemia occurs when there is so much potassium in your blood that your kidneys can’t remove it all. In many cases, high levels of potassium are temporary and caused by a high-potassium diet or meal. This rarely requires medical attention and is not considered true hyperkalemia.

The most common causes of hyperkalemia are kidney disease and kidney failure. Other causes of excessive levels of potassium in the blood include:

• Blood pressure medications like beta-blockers, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE)
  
• Dehydration
  
• Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency)
  
• Excessive potassium supplementation
  
• Type 1 diabetes
  
• Red blood cell damage from burns
  

Common symptoms of hyperkalemia include:

• Diarrhea
  
• Abdominal pain
  
• Changes in your heartbeat (arrhythmia or heart fluttering)
  
• Numbness in the limbs
  
• Muscle weakness
  
• Nausea
  
• Vomiting
  

SPS is not a treatment for the underlying causes of hyperkalemia. It is used specifically for the management of potassium levels in the blood. If left untreated, excessive blood potassium levels can cause heart damage or a heart attack.

SPS usage has been shown to cause some mild side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these do not go away within a few days. If you begin to experience more serious effects, seek medical attention immediately.

Common side effects reported from SPS use include:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Nausea
Loss of appetite

Serious side effects include:
Seizures
Constipation
Stomach pain
Bloody diarrhea
Confusion
Dizziness
Muscle weakness
Chest pain
Fever

Seek medical attention right away if you begin to notice any of these symptoms. These are signs of a serious adverse reaction and medical treatment is required.

As with all prescription medication, inform your doctor of any medical conditions you are currently managing. Tell them about any and all medication, prescription drugs, and supplements you are taking before starting treatment with SPS. SPS can interact with substances in the body, causing potentially serious adverse reactions. Specifically, let your doctor know if you are currently taking any antibiotics, anticoagulants, or antacids.

Finally, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with SPS. If you become pregnant while taking SPS, inform your health care provider immediately. Do not take this medication if you are currently breastfeeding.

SPS is commonly supplied as a suspension liquid or a powder to be mixed into a liquid.

If you have been given SPS as a powder, it is recommended that you mix the medication with 3-4 mL of water. Stir the liquid until the powder has totally dissolved and take the mixture right away. Specific dosage will depend on the patient's age and body weight.

SPS should be taken at least 3 hours before taking any other form of oral medication. If this affects your scheduled dosage for other medication, talk to your health care provider about how to manage various treatment plans.

If you miss a dose of SPS, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, take that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose of SPS.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Keep all medication bottles out of reach of small children, and at room temperature. Avoid exposing the medication to excess heat or moisture. Seek medical attention right away if you begin to notice chest pain, trouble breathing, or signs of an allergic reaction (hives, rash, swelling) after taking the medicine.

Do not exceed the dosage prescribed or discontinue the use of SPS without consulting your health care provider first.

SPS is currently only available via prescription. This means that a licensed health care provider must authorize the use of this medication.

If you are looking for a prescription, doctors on Sesame can write a prescription–or refill an existing one–during a virtual or in-person visit. Note that not all drugs can be prescribed via an online video appointment. In some cases, an in-person doctor visit is required for a prescription.

Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy. Book an appointment with a provider on Sesame today to discuss whether or not SPS is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances. For more information about controlled substances, check out the Drug Enforcement Agency’s scheduling guidelines here.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for SPS to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.