GNH USA

Europe — EMA

Kayexalate

GNH USA supplies Kayexalate (Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate), a cation exchange resin for hyperkalemia treatment in patients with renal impairment or potassium

Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate

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What is Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate?

Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate, the active ingredient in Kayexalate, is a cation exchange resin presented as an oral suspension and rectal enema for oral and rectal use. It is employed to treat hyperkalemia by lowering elevated serum potassium levels in patients with kidney disease or other conditions that predispose to potassium excess.

GNH USA supplies Kayexalate as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, pharmacies and clinics worldwide, providing reliable sourcing, regulatory support and consistent product quality across global markets through established distribution networks.

What is Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate used for?

Kayexalate is used to manage elevated potassium levels in conditions affecting electrolyte balance. - Hyperkalemia: reduces serum potassium concentrations to safer levels. - Chronic kidney disease‑associated hyperkalemia: assists in controlling potassium accumulation in patients with impaired renal excretion. - Acute potassium poisoning: facilitates removal of excess potassium from the gastrointestinal tract. - Pre‑dialysis potassium management: helps lower potassium before dialysis sessions. - Post‑transplant hyperkalemia: used to control potassium in kidney transplant recipients.

What are the side effects of Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate?

Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate may cause gastrointestinal and electrolyte related adverse reactions.

Common Side Effects: - Nausea: mild stomach upset may occur. - Vomiting: occasional emesis reported. - Constipation: reduced bowel movements are frequent. - Abdominal discomfort: cramps or pain in the abdomen. - Diarrhea: loose stools may develop. - Taste alteration: some patients notice a metallic taste.

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Intestinal necrosis: rare but severe tissue death in the gut. - Colonic perforation: possible tearing of the colon wall. - Severe electrolyte disturbances: including hypokalemia or hypernatremia. - Anaphylactic reaction: rare systemic allergic response.

What precautions apply to Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate?

Before prescribing Kayexalate, clinicians should consider several safety precautions to minimize risks. - Renal impairment: monitor serum potassium and sodium levels closely. - Bowel obstruction: avoid use in patients with known gastrointestinal blockage. - Severe constipation: use with caution and consider laxatives if needed. - Sorbitol‑containing laxatives: do not co‑administer due to risk of intestinal injury. - Pregnancy: category B; use only when potential benefit justifies potential risk. - Store at ambient temperature: keep in original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

What does Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate interact with?

Kayexalate can interact with other medicines, affecting its efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Sorbitol co‑administration: increases risk of intestinal necrosis. - Potassium‑sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone): may reduce the resin’s potassium‑lowering effect. - Oral potassium supplements: concurrent use can blunt therapeutic benefit.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium: may interfere with resin binding capacity. - Lithium therapy: resin may alter lithium absorption, requiring level monitoring. - Digoxin: electrolyte shifts from potassium removal may affect digoxin toxicity risk.

Frequently asked questions

What is Kayexalate used for?+
Kayexalate is prescribed to lower elevated serum potassium levels in patients with hyperkalemia, a condition that can arise from kidney disease, medication effects, or acute potassium overload. By reducing potassium, it helps prevent cardiac arrhythmias and other complications associated with high potassium.
How does Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate work?+
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate is a non‑absorbable resin that exchanges sodium ions for potassium ions in the gastrointestinal tract. The bound potassium forms an insoluble complex that is eliminated in the feces, thereby decreasing the amount of potassium reabsorbed into the bloodstream.
What determines the dose of Kayexalate?+
The appropriate dose of Kayexalate is individualized by the prescribing healthcare professional based on the severity of hyperkalemia, the patient’s renal function, and concurrent therapies. Dosage regimens are not standardized and must be set by a qualified prescriber.
Is Kayexalate safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?+
Kayexalate is classified as Pregnancy Category B, indicating that animal studies have not shown risk to the fetus and there are no adequate human studies. It may be used during pregnancy or lactation only when the potential benefit outweighs any possible risk, under medical supervision.
How do I order Kayexalate from GNH USA?+
To order Kayexalate, submit an enquiry on the product page at gnh-usa.com specifying the required quantity. GNH USA works with hospitals, pharmacies and procurement teams worldwide, verifies trade or institutional credentials, and then provides pricing, availability, shipping details and any necessary import documentation.
How does Kayexalate compare with other potassium binders?+
Kayexalate (sodium polystyrene sulfonate) is a traditional cation‑exchange resin, whereas newer agents such as patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate use different exchange mechanisms and may have distinct safety profiles. Kayexalate is widely available in the EU and is effective, but clinicians consider individual patient tolerance and risk of gastrointestinal adverse events when selecting a binder.
What are the recommended storage conditions for Kayexalate?+
Kayexalate should be stored at ambient temperature, below 25 °C, in its original packaging. The container should be kept tightly closed, protected from moisture and direct sunlight, and kept out of reach of children.
How is Kayexalate administered to patients?+
Kayexalate is supplied as an oral suspension or a rectal enema. The oral formulation is mixed with water or a suitable liquid and taken by mouth, while the enema is administered rectally according to the prescriber’s instructions. Administration routes are chosen based on patient condition and clinical judgment.
What are the most serious risks associated with Kayexalate?+
Serious risks include intestinal necrosis and colonic perforation, especially when Kayexalate is given with sorbitol or in patients with bowel obstruction. Severe electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia or hypernatremia can also occur, requiring close monitoring of serum electrolytes during therapy.
Who should not use Kayexalate?+
Kayexalate is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to sodium polystyrene sulfonate, those with active gastrointestinal obstruction, severe constipation, or a history of intestinal necrosis. It should also be avoided in individuals receiving sorbitol‑containing laxatives due to increased risk of severe gut injury.
Information provided on this page is for educational use by procurement and clinical professionals. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for medical advice and prescribing decisions. GNH USA supplies this product subject to applicable regulatory and licensing requirements.

Product details

Drug
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
Route
Oral Use , Rectal Use
Manufacturer
Sanofi Winthrop Industrie
Origin
EU

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