Kalexate

You should not use sodium polystyrene sulfonate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• low potassium levels (hypokalemia); or

• a bowel obstruction.

To make sure sodium polystyrene sulfonate is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease or high blood pressure;

• congestive heart failure;

• 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 sodium polystyrene sulfonate is not absorbed into the blood stream, 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.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose may cause low potassium or low calcium (leg cramps, constipation, increased thirst or urination, fast or slow heart rate, fluttering in your chest, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or tightness).