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Home > Drug Category > Hyperkalemia > Solystat and Equivalent

Solystat Information

Solystat (Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate) is a medication used to treat hyperkalemia. In this potentially serious medical condition, the level of potassium in the blood is too high. Normal potassium levels are essential for proper nerve and muscle function, including the heart. When potassium levels get too high, it can lead to dangerous and even life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms. Solystat's active ingredient is sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS), a medication that belongs to the class of cation-exchange resins. As this cation-exchange resin moves through the digestive tract, it effectively acts like a sponge, swapping its sodium ions for the excess potassium ions present in the colon. The drug, now bound with potassium, is then safely excreted from the body via the feces, helping to lower the overall potassium level in the bloodstream and manage the condition. Although not a fast-acting treatment, it provides a steady reduction in potassium and serves as a supportive measure alongside other treatments for hyperkalemia. Its usefulness lies in lowering the body's overall potassium burden, mainly when the kidneys alone cannot effectively excrete it.

Solystat Side Effects

Some mild side effects of this medicine include diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Contact your doctor if these common side effects persist or worsen. Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, hives, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Bowel perforation with symptoms like severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, and nausea;
• Constipation with abdominal bloating, swelling, or other signs of bowel obstruction;
• Fecal impaction with symptoms like leaking liquid stool, feeling the need to push hard stool;
• Gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding with symptoms like vomiting of coffee grounds, or passage of dark or bloody stools;
• High level of sodium with symptoms like excessive thirst, bloating;
• Low calcium levels with symptoms like irritability and muscle spasms;
• Low potassium levels with symptoms like muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Solystat Precautions

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to sodium polystyrene sulfonate, the inactive ingredients in Solystat, or any other medicine. Before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• Dehydration;
• Gastrointestinal problems, including ulcers and obstruction;
• Heart disease;
• High blood pressure;
• Kidney disease;
• Other electrolyte imbalances, including low potassium, calcium, or high sodium;
• Severe burns

Consult your doctor before using this medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate may interact with other drugs or substances, such as antacids, digoxin, laxatives, thyroxine, and sorbitol. Therefore, inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines, including herbal supplements, that you are taking before using Solystat to prevent potential drug interactions.

This medicine is available in powder form, to be constituted into a suspension for oral and rectal use. Check out the leaflet in the medication pack for details on how to prepare the suspension for oral use and rectal enema. When taking it orally, it's recommended to stay upright and avoid inhaling the powder. Do not give this medicine by mouth to newborn babies. It should only be given rectally to newborns. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage schedule for you depending on your condition. Do not take other oral medications within three hours of taking Solystat orally to ensure proper absorption. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from freezing, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Solystat?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Solystat.