Normo-K
Cheaper & Alternative Brands
Same generic (Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate), same form (Powder for Suspension)No other brands currently registered with this exact active generic and dosage form.
Clinical Prescribing Information
Medical monograph and safety information for healthcare professionals & patients.Indications & Clinical Uses
Normo-K is indicated for the treatment of hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is mainly caused by Acute or Chronic Kidney Disease. Other causes may include Liver failure, Adrenal insufciency, Use of certain drugs like ARB, ACE inhibitors, Beta blockers or Excessive use of Potassium supplements.
Contraindications
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate is contraindicated in the following conditions: patients with hypokalemia, patients with a history of hypersensitivity to polystyrene sulfonate resins, obstructive bowel disease, neonates with reduced gut motility (postoperatively or drug induced) and oral administration in neonates.
Side Effects & Adverse Reactions
The drug may cause some degree of gastric irritation. Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and constipation may occur especially if high doses are given. Also, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, and significant sodium retention, and their related clinical manifestations, may occur. Occasionally diarrhea develops. Large doses in elderly individuals may cause fecal impaction. Rare instances of colonic necrosis have been reported. Intestinal obstruction due to concretions of aluminum hydroxide, when used in combination with such resin has been reported.
Warnings & Precautions
Caution is advised when Normo-K is administered to patients who cannot tolerate even a small increase in sodium loads (i.e., severe congestive heart failure, severe hypertension, or marked edema). In such instances compensatory restriction of sodium intake from other sources may be indicated. In the event of clinically signifcant constipation, treatment with Normo-K should be discontinued until normal bowel motion is resumed. Magnesium-containing laxatives or sorbitol should not be used.
Pharmacology & Mechanism of Action
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate is a cation exchange resin. It releases sodium ions in the stomach in exchange for hydrogen ions. When the resin reaches the large intestine the hydrogen ions are exchanged for free potassium ions; the resin is then eliminated in the feces. The net effect is lowering the amount of potassium available for absorption into the blood and increasing the amount that is excreted via the feces. The effect is a reduction of potassium levels in the body.