Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - PMS-Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
What the medication is used for:
pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE is used to remove high amounts of potassium from the blood.
What it does:
pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE attaches to the extra potassium in the body, particularly in the large intestine, so it can be removed from the body in the stool.
When it should not be used:
Do not take pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE if:
You have a bowel obstruction (blocked
intestine).
- You have low levels of potassium in your blood.
If you are allergic to sodium polystyrene
sulfonate
Do not use pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE in newborn babies who have slowed movements in their gut (caused by other medications or following surgery).
Do not give pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE by mouth to newborn babies. pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE should only be given rectally to newborns.
What the medicinal ingredient is:
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
What the non-medicinal ingredients are:
Powder for suspension: None
Oral suspension: Sorbitol, methylparaben, propylparaben
What dosage forms it comes in:
Powder for suspension (for oral or rectal use)
- Oral suspension (for oral use)
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
BEFORE you use pms-SODIUM
POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE, talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you have or have had any medical conditions, especially the following:
- Heart problems
- High blood pressure
- Problems with your bowel or constipation
- Severe burns
- Low blood volume, which can occur with dehydration or bleeding
Electrolyte imbalance. pms-SODIUM
POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE therapy can worsen these imbalances. Your doctor may want to check the levels of the electrolytes in your blood more frequently during treatment.
- Kidney problems
- Edema (swelling of the face, hands or feet with fluid)
- You require low salt diet.
You are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
- You are breastfeeding. It is not known if pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE passes into breast milk.
When taken by mouth, avoid taking pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE at the same time as other orally administered medications (see “PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION”).
Magnesium containing laxatives should not be used with pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE
SULFONATE.
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
As with most medicines, interactions with other drugs are possible. Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including drugs prescribed by other doctors, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines (non-prescription drugs or over the counter drugs).
When taken by mouth, pms-SODIUM
POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE may interfere with how other oral medicines are absorbed (see “PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION”).
| IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ |
The following may interact with pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE:
- Digoxin, a medicine used for heart problems.
Laxatives such as magnesium
hydroxide or aluminum carbonate
- Thyroxine, a medicine for hypothyroidism
Lithium, a medicine which can be used to treat
bipolar disorder.
- Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium
Sorbitol (a ‘sugar free’ sweetener used to
sweeten food).
- Immunosuppressant drugs
I
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
NTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION Usual dose:
pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE Powder for Suspension can be given by mouth or in the rectum.
pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE Oral Suspension is given only by mouth.
The amount of pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE you need to take will depend upon the amount of potassium in your blood.
Once the mixture of pms-SODIUM
POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE Powder for Suspension has been prepared, it should be used straight away. If it needs to be stored, it should be stored for no longer than 24 hours. Do not heat pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE.
Your doctor will decide exactly how much pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE you need to take. The usual doses are:
ORAL DOSING
When taken by mouth, pms-SODIUM
POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE should be taken at least 3 hours before or 3 hours after other oral medications. For patients with gastroparesis (a condition preventing your stomach from emptying properly), a 6-hour separation should be considered. Consult your health care provider for
recommendations (see “WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS” and “INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION”).
pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE
Powder for Suspension is usually given by mouth mixed in a small amount of water. It can
also be mixed with food or sweetened liquid. Do NOT mix pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE with orange juice or fruit juice which contains potassium.
pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE
Oral Suspension does not require any preparation before use. Shake the bottle well before drinking.
Be careful not to inhale pms-SODIUM
POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE Powder for Suspension accidentally. Breathing in the powder may cause coughing and shortness of breath.
Your doctor will regularly check the potassium, calcium and magnesium levels in your blood. The doctor may change the dose or stop the pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE depending on what the results of these blood tests are.
Adults, including the elderly:
pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE
Powder for Suspension: 15 grams (about 4 level teaspoons) one to four times daily as indicated above.
pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE
Oral Suspension: 15 grams (60 mL) one to four times daily as indicated above.
Children:
You should follow the dosing recommended by your doctor.
For children, pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE is preferably given with a drink (NOT a fruit juice because of the high potassium content) or a little jam or honey.
Newborn babies (neonates)
pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE should not be given by mouth.
RECTAL DOSING
Rectal dosing only applies to pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE Powder for Suspension. The enema is usually given by a doctor or nurse.
Adults:
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ as possible. Afterwards, the colon needs to be washed out to remove pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE.
Children and newborn babies (neonates):
Overdose:
Taking too much pms-SODIUM
POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE may reduce your potassium in your blood below the normal level. If you take too much of this medication, you may feel irritable, confused, have muscle weakness, have diminished reflexes or paralysis.
If you think you have taken too much pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
Missed Dose:
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you have missed. If it is almost time for the dose, skip the dose you missed and take the next dose when you are meant to.
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Side effects may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
If any of these affects you severely, tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
| SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, AND WHAT TO DO | |||
| ABOUT THEM | |||
| Symptom / effect | Talk with your doctor or pharmacist | Stop taking drug and call your doctor or pharmacist | |
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
Constipation (bloating and swelling of the abdomen) | x | ||
Abdominal pain (pain in your stomach and rectum) | x | ||
| Stomach irritation and bleeding (vomit that looks like coffee grounds) | x | ||
Rectal bleeding (black bloody or tarry stools) | x | ||
Allergic reaction (rash; itching; swelling of the face, tongue and throat; severe dizziness and trouble breathing) | x | ||
High level of sodium (swelling) | x | ||
| Low level of potassium (muscle cramps, feeling tired, confused, having muscle weakness or change in the heart rate) | x | ||
| Low level of calcium (feeling nervous or unable to relax, having fits, or muscle cramps) | x | ||
Fecal Impaction (leaking liquid stool, stomach pain, feeling the need to push, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite) | x | ||
Bowel obstruction (cramping, severe stomach pain, vomiting, bloating, | x | ||
| IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ |
constipation, inability to pass gas) | |||
Bowel perforation (severe stomach pain, chills, fever, nausea vomiting) | x |
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
HOW TO STORE IT
Store at room temperature (15°C to 30°C). Keep out of reach and sight of children.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. | ||
MORE INFORMATION
If you want more information about pms-SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
Find the full Prescribing Information that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Consumer Information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/index-eng.jsp); the manufacturer’s website (www.pharmascience.com); or by calling 1-888-550-6060.
Pharmascience Inc.
Montreal, Quebec
H4P 2T4