Karimet Granules (Polystyrene Sulfonate Calcium)

Key information summary

Efficacy & effects

Hyperkalemia refers to an abnormally high level of potassium in the blood. This condition can lead to irregular heartbeats or muscle dysfunction, making early treatment important. This medication is used to improve hyperkalemia by regulating blood potassium levels.

Dosage

1. Oral administration: 15-30g of polystyrene sulfonate calcium should be divided and taken 2-3 times a day. Each dose should be suspended in 30-50mL of water for oral intake. 2. Rectal administration: 30g of polystyrene sulfonate calcium should be suspended in 100mL of water or 2% methylcellulose solution for rectal administration. The suspension should be warmed to body temperature and retained in the intestine for 30 minutes to 1 hour. If leakage occurs, the buttocks should be elevated with a pillow.

Precautions

This medication should not be used in patients with hypercalcemia or primary hyperparathyroidism. This is because it can increase blood calcium levels. Patients with multiple myeloma, sarcoidosis, or metastatic cancers should also avoid its use. Patients with obstructive bowel disease should not use this medication due to the risk of bowel perforation. Newborns under one month should not use it orally, and newborns with decreased gastrointestinal motility can only receive it rectally. Patients who frequently experience constipation, intestinal strictures, or gastrointestinal ulcers should use this medication with caution. Side effects such as constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, and hypokalemia may occur, so care is required. If severe constipation, persistent abdominal pain, or vomiting occurs, use should be stopped immediately and a doctor consulted. Serum potassium and calcium levels should be monitored regularly, and if abnormalities occur, the dosage should be adjusted or therapy discontinued. Dialysis patients or those with chronic renal failure should be cautious due to the risk of hypercalcemia. When taken orally, it should be administered while the patient is in an upright position to reduce the risk of aspiration. Co-administration with other oral medications may decrease absorption, so a gap of more than 3 hours between doses is advisable. It is not recommended for patients with severe gastrointestinal disorders. Caution is necessary when used together with potassium-lowering medications such as digitalis or digoxin, as there is a risk of toxicity. Use with aluminum, magnesium, or calcium-containing antacids or laxatives can decrease effectiveness and may result in systemic alkalosis. The safety of this medication in pregnant or breastfeeding women has not been established, so caution is required. Elderly individuals may have reduced bodily functions, thus requiring dosage adjustments and careful monitoring. In cases of overdose, severe muscle weakness and ECG abnormalities may occur, necessitating immediate appropriate treatment. When administered orally, it is important to prevent constipation to avoid accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract. For rectal administration, do not use sorbitol solution, and ensure that the medication is adequately removed to prevent residue in the intestine after administration.

Side effects

Bowel perforation, bowel obstruction, rash, hypercalcemia, acute bronchitis or bronchopneumonia, severe edema or urination abnormalities (including the possibility of severe edema associated with increased blood pressure).

Alternatives / Same-ingredient medications

• Kalimet Acid (Polystyrene Sulfonate Calcium)

  Same ingredient
• Cashtan (Polystyrene Sulfonate Calcium)

  Same ingredient
• Cashtan Suspension (Polystyrene Sulfonate Calcium)

  Same ingredient
• Agamate Jelly (Polystyrene Sulfonate Calcium)

  Same ingredient

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