What is Kalexate?
Kalexate is a brand name for sodium polystyrene sulfonate, a medicine used to treat high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) in people who have kidney disease or other conditions that raise potassium.
What does Kalexate do?
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate works by binding potassium in the gastrointestinal tract. When potassium is bound, less is absorbed into the body, which helps lower blood potassium levels over time.
How is Kalexate taken?
Kalexate is typically taken by mouth or given as an enema, depending on the clinical situation and the form available. Dosing depends on how high the potassium level is and the patient’s overall condition.
Who might be prescribed it?
It’s generally used when doctors need to bring down elevated potassium, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease or situations where kidney function is impaired and potassium can build up.
Are there important safety issues to know?
As with other potassium-binding resins, safety concerns can include gastrointestinal side effects. Your clinician should tailor use based on your risk factors and other medications.
Is it still used today, or are alternatives available?
In many settings, newer potassium-lowering options have expanded the choices for hyperkalemia management, but sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kalexate) remains part of the therapeutic landscape.
Sources:
1. DrugPatentWatch.com – Kalexate (sodium polystyrene sulfonate)