Kayexalate is a brand of sodium polystyrene sulfonate used to impact the exchange of sodium and potassium in the body. The drug is used to treat high levels of potassium present in the blood – also known as hyperkalemia. This prescription can also be prescribed for other uses. The drug is administered by mouth via a stomach feeding tube or via rectal enema. It is given one to four times per day by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting. The medication is often administered even when the patient is not complaining of symptoms – because hyperkalemia often has little to no noticeable symptoms.
There are some known side effects with the medication, including uneven heart rates, severe muscle weakness, rapid weight gain, inability to move, black or tarry stools, and plain in the lower stomach.
There are some prescription medications and over-the-counter medications already associated with dangerous interactions. When a patient is taking Kayexalate, the following medications could affect it:
Currently there are 51 other potential dangerous interactions – including aspirin and even Lasix.
Currently FDA is requiring the manufacturer of Kayexalate to conduct additional studies investigating the potential interactions and how they could affect the medication’s effectiveness itself. The approved labeling for Kayexalate states there is a potential to decrease absorption of lithium and thyroxine, but extensive studies have not yet been performed. During a secondary review, the FDA found that other medications can bind with half the medications tested – which decreases the effectiveness of Kayexalate and other related drugs.
There is potential concern that Kayexalate will bind to other medications that are administered by mouth, which is an extreme health risk. To avoid such risk, prescribers as well as patients must consider separating the two medications by at least six hours. This can include medications such as antibiotics, blood pressure lowering agents, blood thinning agents, and over-the-counter medications. Health care professionals have also been advised to monitor their patient’s response to medications.
If the studies currently underway by Concordia Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Kayexalate, confirm other interactions, the FDA will require all manufacturers of similar products to update their labels.
Manufacturers are often allowed to release medications long before they conduct thorough studies regarding interactions. Contact Berkowitz and Hanna LLC today to schedule a no obligation case evaluation. Call 866-479-7909 or contact us online to get started.
Berkowitz Hanna
